Isolation and purification of anti-IL-13 antibodies using protein A affinity chromatography

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are methods for the isolation and purification of anti-IL-13 antibodies wherein the use of an affinity chromatographic step results in an antibody composition sufficiently pure for pharmaceutical uses. The methods described herein comprise pH viral reduction/inactivation, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, affinity chromatography (e.g., Protein A affinity chromatography), ion exchange chromatography, and hydrophobic chromatography. Further, the present invention is directed toward pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more antibodies of the present invention.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/253,411, filed Oct. 20, 2009, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The specification further incorporates by reference the Sequence Listingsubmitted herewith via EFS on May 2, 2011. Pursuant to 37 C.F.R.§1.52(e)(5), the Sequence Listing text file, identified as003168_(—)0998_Sequence_Listing.txt, is 2,422 bytes and was created onMay 2, 2011. The Sequence Listing, electronically filed herewith, doesnot extend beyond the scope of the specification and thus does notcontain new matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Human IL-13 is a 17-kDa glycoprotein cloned from activated T cells andis produced by activated T cells of the Th2 lineage, ThO and ThI CD4+ Tcells, CD8+ T cells, and several non-T cell populations, such as mastcells. (Zurawski and de Vries, 1994 Immunol Today, 15, 19-26). IL-13promotes immunoglobulin isotype switching to IgE in human B cells(Punnonen, Aversa et al. 1993 Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 90 3730-4) andsuppresses of inflammatory cytokine production in both human and mouse(de Waal Malefyt et al., 1993, J Immunol, 151, 6370-81; Doherty et al.,1993, J Immunol, 151, 7151-60). IL-13 binds to its cell surfacereceptors, IL-13Rα1 and IL-13Rα2. IL-13Rα1 interacts with IL-13 with alow affinity (KD ˜10 nM), followed by recruitment of IL-4R to form thehigh affinity (KD ˜0.4 nM) signaling heterodimeric receptor complex(Aman et al., 1996, J Biol Chem, 271, 29265-70; Hilton et al., 1996,Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 93, 497-501). The IL-4R/IL-13Rα1 complex isexpressed on many cell types such as B cells, monocyte/macrophages,dendritic cells, eosinophils, basophils, fibroblasts, endothelial cells,airway epithelial cells, and airway smooth muscle cells (Graber et al.,1998, Eur J Immunol, 28, 4286-98; Murata et al., 1998, Int Immunol, 10,1103-10; Akaiwa et al., 2001, Cytokine, 13, 75-84). Ligation of theIL-13Rα1/IL-4R receptor complex results in activation of a variety ofsignal-transduction pathways including signal transducer and activatorof transcription (ST AT6) and the insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2)pathways (Wang et al., 1995, Blood, 864218-27; Takeda et al., 1996, JImmunol, 157, 3220-2). The IL-13Rα2 chain alone has a high affinity (KD˜0.25-0.4 nM) for IL-13, and functions as both a decoy receptornegatively regulating IL-13 binding (Donaldson et al., 1998, J Immunol,161, 2317-24), and a signaling receptor that induces TGF-β synthesis andfibrosis via AP-I pathway in macrophages and possibly other cell types(Fichtner-Feigl, Strober et al. 2006 Nat Med 12 99-106).

Several studies conducted in preclinical animal models for asthmaindicate that IL-13 plays an important role in asthma. These datainclude resistance to asthma in IL-13 knockout mice as well asinhibition of the asthma phenotype with IL-13 antagonists (soluble IL-13receptors, anti-IL-13 mAbs, etc.) in various mouse models (Wills-Karpand Chiaramonte, 2003, Curr Opin Pulm Med, 9 21-7; Wills-Karp, 2004,Immunol Rev, 202 175-90). Multiple studies have demonstrated thatpharmacologic administration of recombinant IL-13 to the lungs of miceas well as guinea pigs induces airway mucus hyper-secretion,eosinophilia and airway hyperresponsiveness (“AHR”; Grunig et al., 1998,Science, 282, 2261-3; Wills-Karp et al., 1998, Science, 282, 2258-61;Kibe et al., 2003, Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 167, 50-6; Vargaftig andSinger, 2003, Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol, 284, L260-9; Vargaftigand Singer, 2003, Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol, 28, 410-9). These effectsof IL-13 are reproduced in transgenic mouse systems with eitherconstitutive or inducible expression of IL-13 (Zhu et al., 1999, J ClinInvest, 103, 779-88; Zhu et al., 2001, Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 164,S67-70; Lanone et al., 2002, J Clin Invest, 110463-74). Chronictransgenic over-expression of IL-13 also induces subepithelial fibrosisand emphysema. Mice deficient in the IL-13 (and IL-4) signaling moleculeSTAT6 fail to develop allergen-induced AHR and mucus overproduction(Kuperman et al., 2002, Nat Med, 8, 885-9). Studies using soluble IL-13receptor fusion protein (sIL-13Rα2Fc) have demonstrated the pivotal roleof this cytokine in experimental allergen ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airwaydisease (Grunig et al., 1998, Science, 282, 2261-3; Wills-Karp et al.,1998, Science, 282, 2258-61; Taube et al., 2002, J Immunol, 169,6482-9). Efficacy of anti-IL-13 treatment was also demonstrated in achronic model of murine asthma. In addition to exhibiting features ofmucus hyper-secretion and AHR, this model of chronic asthma demonstratesseveral hallmarks of human disease that are lacking in the more acutemodels. These include eosinophilia of the lung tissue located ininter-epithelial spaces as well as smooth muscle fibrosis as measured byincreases in collagen deposition. The chronic asthma model is inducedwith repeated aerosol challenges with OVA in OVA-sensitized mice 1×/weekfor a total of 4 weeks. Anti-IL-13 antibody administered for the final 2weeks of OVA challenges (from day 36 with efficacy readouts assessed onday 53 of study) significantly inhibited AHR, pulmonary inflammation,goblet cell hyperplasia, mucus hypersecretion, and airway fibrosis (Yanget al., 2005, J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 313, 8-15). IL-13 is implicated inthe pathogenesis of human asthma as elevated levels of IL-13 mRNA andprotein have been detected in lungs of asthmatic patients, whichcorrelate with severity of the disease (Huang et al., 1995, J Immunol,155, 2688-94). In addition, human IL-3 genetic polymorphisms, which leadto elevated IL-13 levels, have been identified and are associated withasthma and atopy (Heinzmann et al., 2000, Hum Mol Genet, 9, 549-59;Hoerauf et al., 2002, Microbes Infect, 4, 37-42; Vercelli, 2002, CurrOpin Allergy Clin Immunol, 2, 389-93; Heinzmann et al., 2003, J AllergyClin Immunol, 112, 735-9; Chen et al., 2004, J Allergy Clin Immunol,114, 553-60; Vladich et al., 2005, J Clin Invest, 115, 747-54), andelevated IL-13 levels have been detected in the lung of asthma patients(Huang et al., 1995, J Immunol, 155, 2688-94; Arima et al., 2002, JAllergy Clin Immunol, 109, 980-7; Berry et al., 2004, J Allergy ClinImmunol, 114, 1106-9). A genetic linkage between IL-13 and asthma hasalso been demonstrated as individuals with a polymorphism in the IL-13gene which causes higher plasma IL-13 levels have an increased risk foratopy and asthma (Wills-Karp, 2000, Respir Res, 1, 19-23).

Due to the role of human IL-13 in a variety of human disorders,therapeutic strategies have been designed to inhibit or counteract IL-13activity. In particular, antibodies that bind to, and neutralize, IL-13have been sought as a means to inhibit IL-13 activity. However, thereexists a need in the art for improved methods of producing and purifyingsuch antibodies for pharmaceutical use. The present invention addressesthis need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to purified,isolated antibodies and antibody fragments that bind to IL-13 as well aspharmaceutical compositions comprising such antibodies and fragments. Incertain embodiments, the invention pertains to isolated antibodies, orantigen-binding portions thereof, that bind to human IL-13. The isolatedanti-IL-13 antibodies of the present invention can be used in a clinicalsetting as well as in research and development. In certain embodiments,the present invention is directed to an anti-IL-13 antibody comprisingthe heavy and light chain sequences identified in FIG. 1.

Certain embodiments of the invention are directed toward methods ofpurifying anti-IL-13 antibodies, or antigen-binding portions thereof,from a sample matrix to render the antibodies substantially free of hostcell proteins (“HCPs”) and leached Protein A. In certain aspects, thesample matrix (or simply “sample”) comprises a cell line employed toproduce anti-IL-13 antibodies of the present invention. In particularaspects, the sample comprises a cell line used to produce humananti-IL-13 antibodies.

In certain embodiments the present invention provides for a method ofpurifying IL-13 antibodies that comprises a primary recovery step to,among other things, remove cells and cellular debris. In certainembodiments of the method, the primary recovery step includes one ormore centrifugation or depth filtration steps. For example, and not byway of limitation, such centrifugation steps can be performed atapproximately 7000×g to approximately 11,000×g. In addition, certainembodiments of the above-described method will include a depthfiltration step, such as a delipid depth filtration step.

In certain embodiments, the primary recovery sample is subjected to anaffinity chromatography step. The affinity chromatography step comprisessubjecting the primary recovery sample to a column comprising a suitableaffinity chromatographic support. Non-limiting examples of suchchromatographic supports include, but are not limited to Protein Aresin, Protein G resin, affinity supports comprising the antigen againstwhich the antibody of interest was raised, and affinity supportscomprising an Fc binding protein. Protein A resin is useful for affinitypurification and isolation of antibodies (IgG). In one aspect, a ProteinA column is equilibrated with a suitable buffer prior to sample loading.An example of a suitable buffer is a Tris/NaCl buffer, pH around 7.2.Following this equilibration, the sample can be loaded onto the column.Following the loading of the column, the column can be washed one ormultiple times using, e.g., the equilibrating buffer. Other washesincluding washes employing different buffers can be used before elutingthe column. The Protein A column can then be eluted using an appropriateelution buffer. An example of a suitable elution buffer is an aceticacid/NaCl buffer, pH around 3.5. The eluate can be monitored usingtechniques well known to those skilled in the art. For example, theabsorbance at OD₂₈₀ can be followed. The eluated fraction(s) of interestcan then be prepared for further processing

In certain embodiments of the present invention, a low pH adjustmentstep follows Protein A affinity chromatography. In such embodiments, theProtein A eluate comprising the putative anti-IL-13 antibody, orantigen-binding portion thereof, is subjected to a pH adjustment to a pHof about 3 to about 4. In certain aspects, the pH is adjusted to about3.5. The low pH, among other things, promotes the reduction and/orinactivation of pH-sensitive viruses that may be contaminating thesample. After a suitable period of time, the pH is adjusted to betweenabout 4.5 and about 6.0, including, but not limited to, about 5.0, andthe sample is subjected to further purification steps.

In certain embodiments, an ion exchange step follows either Protein Aaffinity chromatography or a low pH adjustment step. This ion exchangestep can be either cation or anion exchange or a sequential combinationof both. This step can be a single ion exchange procedure or can includemultiple ion exchange steps such as a cation exchange step followed byan anion exchange step or visa versa. In one aspect, the ion exchangestep is a one step procedure. In another aspect, the ion exchange stepinvolves a two step ion exchange process. A suitable cation exchangecolumn is a column whose stationary phase comprises anionic groups. Anexample of such a column is a Fractogel™ SO₃ ⁻. This ion exchangecapture chromatography step facilitates the isolation of antibodies froma sample. A suitable anion exchange column is a column whose stationaryphase comprises cationic groups. An example of such a column is a QSepharose™ column. An alternative is a Pall Mustang Q membranecartridge. One or more ion exchange step further isolates antibodies byreducing impurities such as host cell proteins and DNA, and, whereapplicable, affinity matrix protein. This anion exchange procedure is aflow through mode of chromatography wherein the antibodies of interestdo not interact or bind to the anion exchange resin (or solid phase).However, many impurities do interact with and bind to the anion exchangeresin. In a particular aspect, the ion exchange step is anion exchangechromatography.

The affinity chromatography eluate is prepared for ion exchangechromatography by adjusting the pH and ionic strength of the samplebuffer. For example, the affinity eluate can be adjusted to a pH ofabout 4.5 to about 8.5 in a 1 M Tris buffer. Prior to loading the sample(the affinity eluate) onto the ion exchange column, the column can beequilibrated using a suitable buffer. An example of a suitable buffer isa Tris/NaCl buffer with a pH of about 4.5 to about 8. Followingequilibration, the column can be loaded with the affinity eluate.Following loading, the column can be washed one or multiple times with asuitable buffer. An example of a suitable buffer is the equilibrationbuffer itself. Flow-through collection can commence, e.g., as theabsorbance (OD₂₈₀) rises above about 0.2 AU.

In certain embodiments, a first and second ion exchange step isperformed following primary recovery or otherwise in the absence of anaffinity chromatography step. In certain of such embodiments, the ionexchange sample is subjected to an intermediate filtration step, eitherprior to the first ion exchange step, between the two ion exchangesteps, or both. In certain aspects, this filtration step comprisescapture ultrafiltration/diafiltration (“UF/DF”). Among other things,such filtration facilitates the concentration and buffer exchange ofanti-IL-13 antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof.

Certain embodiments of the invention provide for a method comprising oneor more hydrophobic interactive chromatography (“HIC”) step. A suitableHIC column is one whose stationary phase comprises hydrophobic groups. Anon-limiting example of such a column is a Phenyl HP Sepharose™ column.In certain circumstances anti-IL-13 antibodies will form aggregatesduring the isolation/purification process. Inclusion of one or more HICstep facilitates the reduction or elimination of such aggregations. HICalso assists in the removal of impurities. In certain embodiments theHIC step employs a high salt buffer to promote interaction of theanti-IL-13 antibodies (or aggregations thereof) with the hydrophobiccolumn. The anti-IL-13 antibodies can then be eluted using lowerconcentrations of salt.

In certain embodiments, the HIC eluate is filtered using a viral removalfilter such as, but not limited to, an Ultipor DV50™ filter (PallCorporation, East Hills, N.Y.). Alternative filters, such as Viresolve™filters (Millipore, Billerica, Mass.); Zeta Plus VR™ filters (CUNO;Meriden, Conn.); and Planova™ filters (Asahi Kasei Pharma, PlanovaDivision, Buffalo Grove, Ill.), can also be used in such embodiments.

In certain embodiments, the invention is directed to one or morepharmaceutical composition comprising an isolated anti-IL-13 antibody orantigen-binding portion thereof and an acceptable carrier. In oneaspect, the composition further comprises one or more antibody orantigen-binding portion thereof in addition to the anti-IL-13 antibody.In another aspect, the compositions further comprise one or morepharmaceutical agents.

The purity of the antibodies of interest in the resultant sample productcan be analyzed using methods well known to those skilled in the art,e.g., size-exclusion chromatography, Poros™ A HPLC Assay, HCP ELISA,Protein A ELISA, and western blot analysis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 discloses the heavy and light chain variable region sequences ofa non-limiting example of an anti-IL-13 antibody.

FIG. 2 discloses an exemplary cell culture process flow diagram,including set points, in process control tests, and action limits.

FIG. 3 discloses a comparison of alternative cell culture process flowstrategies.

FIG. 4 discloses a primary recovery capture chromatography process flowdiagram, including set points, in process control tests, and actionlimits.

FIG. 5 discloses a comparison of alternative primary recovery andcapture flow strategies.

FIG. 6 discloses a fine purification process flow diagram, including setpoints, in process control tests, and action limits.

FIG. 7 discloses a comparison of alternative fine purification flowstrategies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to antibodies that bind to IL-13. Inone aspect, the invention pertains to isolated antibodies, orantigen-binding portions thereof, that bind to human IL-13. The isolatedanti-IL-13 antibody of the present invention can be used in a clinicalsetting as well as in research and development. The present inventionalso pertains to methods for purifying anti-IL-13 antibodies, orantigen-binding portions thereof. Suitable anti-IL-13 antibodies thatmay be purified in the context of the instant invention are disclosed inPCT Application No. PCT/US2007/019660, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety, including the antibody that has subsequentlybeen identified as ABT-308. Exemplary anti-IL-13 antibody heavy andlight chain sequences are set forth in FIG. 1. The present inventionalso relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the anti-IL-13antibodies or antigen-binding portions thereof described herein.

For clarity and not by way of limitation, this detailed description isdivided into the following sub-portions:

-   -   1. Definitions;    -   2. Antibody Generation;    -   3. Antibody Production;    -   4. Antibody Purification;    -   5. Methods of Assaying Sample Purity;    -   6. Further Modifications;    -   7. Pharmaceutical Compositions; and    -   8. Antibody Uses.

1. Definitions

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood,certain terms are first defined.

The term “antibody” includes an immunoglobulin molecule comprised offour polypeptide chains, two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chainsinter-connected by disulfide bonds. Each heavy chain is comprised of aheavy chain variable region (abbreviated herein as HCVR or VH) and aheavy chain constant region (CH). The heavy chain constant region iscomprised of three domains, CH1, CH2 and CH3. Each light chain iscomprised of a light chain variable region (abbreviated herein as LCVRor VL) and a light chain constant region. The light chain constantregion is comprised of one domain, CL. The VH and VL regions can befurther subdivided into regions of hypervariability, termedcomplementarity determining regions (CDRs), interspersed with regionsthat are more conserved, termed framework regions (FR). Each VH and VLis composed of three CDRs and four FRs, arranged from amino-terminus tocarboxy-terminus in the following order: FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3,CDR3, FR4.

The term “antigen-binding portion” of an antibody (or “antibodyportion”) includes fragments of an antibody that retain the ability tospecifically bind to an antigen (e.g., hIL-13). It has been shown thatthe antigen-binding function of an antibody can be performed byfragments of a full-length antibody. Examples of binding fragmentsencompassed within the term “antigen-binding portion” of an antibodyinclude (i) a Fab fragment, a monovalent fragment comprising the VL, VH,CL and CH1 domains; (ii) a F(ab′)2 fragment, a bivalent fragmentcomprising two Fab fragments linked by a disulfide bridge at the hingeregion; (iii) a Fd fragment comprising the VH and CH1 domains; (iv) a Fvfragment comprising the VL and VH domains of a single arm of anantibody, (v) a dAb fragment (Ward et al., (1989) Nature 341:544-546,the entire teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference), whichcomprises a VH domain; and (vi) an isolated complementarity determiningregion (CDR). Furthermore, although the two domains of the Fv fragment,VL and VH, are coded for by separate genes, they can be joined, usingrecombinant methods, by a synthetic linker that enables them to be madeas a single protein chain in which the VL and VH regions pair to formmonovalent molecules (known as single chain Fv (scFv); see, e.g., Birdet al. (1988) Science 242:423-426; and Huston et al. (1988) Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883, the entire teachings of which areincorporated herein by reference). Such single chain antibodies are alsointended to be encompassed within the term “antigen-binding portion” ofan antibody. Other forms of single chain antibodies, such as diabodiesare also encompassed. Diabodies are bivalent, bispecific antibodies inwhich VH and VL domains are expressed on a single polypeptide chain, butusing a linker that is too short to allow for pairing between the twodomains on the same chain, thereby forcing the domains to pair withcomplementary domains of another chain and creating two antigen bindingsites (see, e.g., Holliger, P., et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA90:6444-6448; Poljak, R. J., et al. (1994) Structure 2:1121-1123, theentire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference). Stillfurther, an antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof may be part of alarger immunoadhesion molecule, formed by covalent or non-covalentassociation of the antibody or antibody portion with one or more otherproteins or peptides. Examples of such immunoadhesion molecules includeuse of the streptavidin core region to make a tetrameric scFv molecule(Kipriyanov, S. M., et al. (1995) Human Antibodies and Hybridomas6:93-101, the entire teaching of which is incorporated herein byreference) and use of a cysteine residue, a marker peptide and aC-terminal polyhistidine tag to make bivalent and biotinylated scFvmolecules (Kipriyanov, S. M., et al. (1994) Mol. Immunol. 31:1047-1058,the entire teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference).Antibody portions, such as Fab and F(ab′)2 fragments, can be preparedfrom whole antibodies using conventional techniques, such as papain orpepsin digestion, respectively, of whole antibodies. Moreover,antibodies, antibody portions and immunoadhesion molecules can beobtained using standard recombinant DNA techniques, as described herein.In one aspect, the antigen binding portions are complete domains orpairs of complete domains.

The phrase “human interleukin 13” (abbreviated herein as hIL-13, orIL-13), as used herein, refers to a 17-kDa glycoprotein cloned fromactivated T cells (Zurawski and de Vries, 1994 Immunol Today 15 19-26)and which is produced by activated T cells of the Th2 lineage. ThO andThI CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and several non-T cell populations suchas mast cells also produce IL-13 (Zurawski and de Vries, 1994 ImmunolToday 15 19-26). IL-13 function includes the promotion of immunoglobulinisotype switching to IgE in human B cells (Punnonen, Aversa et al. 1993Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 90 3730-4) and suppression of inflammatorycytokine production in both human and mouse (de Waal et al., 1993 JImmunol 151 6370-81; Doherty et al., 1993 J Immunol 151 7151-60). IL-13binds to cell surface receptors identified as IL-13Rα1 and IL-13Rα2. TheIL-13Rα1 receptor interacts with IL-13 with a low affinity (KD ˜10 nM),followed by recruitment of IL-4R to form the high affinity (KD ˜0.4 nM)signaling heterodimeric receptor complex (Aman et al., 1996 J Biol Chem271 29265-70; Hilton et al., 1996 Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 93 497-501).The IL-4R/IL-13Rα1 complex is expressed on many cell types such as Bcells, monocyte/macrophages, dendritic cells, eosinophils, basophils,fibroblasts, endothelial cells, airway epithelial cells, and airwaysmooth muscle cells (Graber et al., 1998 Eur J Immunol 28 4286-98;Murata et al., 1998 Int Immunol 10 1103-10; Akaiwa et al., 2001 Cytokine13 75-84). Ligation of the IL-13Rα1/IL-4R receptor complex results inactivation of a variety of signal-transduction pathways including signaltransducer and activator of transcription (ST AT6) and the insulinreceptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) pathways (Wang et al., 1995 Blood864218-27; Takeda et al., 1996 J Immunol 157 3220-2). The IL-13Rα2 chainalone has a high affinity (KD ˜0.25-0.4 nM) for IL-13, and functions asboth a decoy receptor negatively regulating IL-13 binding (Donaldson,Whitters et al. 1998 J Immunol 161 2317-24), and as a signaling receptorthat induces TGF-b synthesis and fibrosis via AP-I pathway inmacrophages and possibly other cell types (Fichtner-Feigl et al., 2006Nat Med 12 99-106). The nucleic acid encoding IL-13 is available asGenBank Accession No. NM_(—)002188 and the polypeptide sequence isavailable as GenBank Accession No. NP_(—)002179. The term human IL-13 isintended to include recombinant human IL-13 (rh IL-13), which can beprepared by standard recombinant expression methods.

The terms “Kabat numbering”, “Kabat definitions” and “Kabat labeling”are used interchangeably herein. These terms, which are recognized inthe art, refer to a system of numbering amino acid residues which aremore variable (i.e., hypervariable) than other amino acid residues inthe heavy and light chain variable regions of an antibody, or an antigenbinding portion thereof (Kabat et al. (1971) Ann. NY Acad, Sci.190:382-391 and, Kabat, E. A., et al. (1991) Sequences of Proteins ofImmunological Interest, Fifth Edition, U.S. Department of Health andHuman Services, NIH Publication No. 91-3242, the entire teachings ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference). For the heavy chainvariable region, the hypervariable region ranges from amino acidpositions 31 to 35 for CDR1, amino acid positions 50 to 65 for CDR2, andamino acid positions 95 to 102 for CDR3. For the light chain variableregion, the hypervariable region ranges from amino acid positions 24 to34 for CDR1, amino acid positions 50 to 56 for CDR2, and amino acidpositions 89 to 97 for CDR3.

The term “human antibody” includes antibodies having variable andconstant regions corresponding to human germline immunoglobulinsequences as described by Kabat et al. (See Kabat, et al. (1991)Sequences of proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition, U.S.Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication No. 91-3242).The human antibodies of the invention may include amino acid residuesnot encoded by human germline immunoglobulin sequences (e.g., mutationsintroduced by random or site-specific mutagenesis in vitro or by somaticmutation in vivo), e.g., in the CDRs and in particular CDR3. Themutations can be introduced using the “selective mutagenesis approach.”The human antibody can have at least one position replaced with an aminoacid residue, e.g., an activity enhancing amino acid residue which isnot encoded by the human germline immunoglobulin sequence. The humanantibody can have up to twenty positions replaced with amino acidresidues which are not part of the human germline immunoglobulinsequence. In other embodiments, up to ten, up to five, up to three or upto two positions are replaced. In one embodiment, these replacements arewithin the CDR regions. However, the term “human antibody”, as usedherein, is not intended to include antibodies in which CDR sequencesderived from the germline of another mammalian species, such as a mouse,have been grafted onto human framework sequences.

The phrase “selective mutagenesis approach” includes a method ofimproving the activity of an antibody by selecting and individuallymutating CDR amino acids at least one suitable selective mutagenesisposition, hypermutation, and/or contact position. A “selectivelymutated” human antibody is an antibody which comprises a mutation at aposition selected using a selective mutagenesis approach. In anotheraspect, the selective mutagenesis approach is intended to provide amethod of preferentially mutating selected individual amino acidresidues in the CDR1, CDR2 or CDR3 of the heavy chain variable region(hereinafter H1, H2, and H3, respectively), or the CDR1, CDR2 or CDR3 ofthe light chain variable region (hereinafter referred to as L1, L2, andL3, respectively) of an antibody. Amino acid residues may be selectedfrom selective mutagenesis positions, contact positions, orhypermutation positions. Individual amino acids are selected based ontheir position in the light or heavy chain variable region. It should beunderstood that a hypermutation position can also be a contact position.In one aspect, the selective mutagenesis approach is a “targetedapproach”. The language “targeted approach” is intended to include amethod of mutating selected individual amino acid residues in the CDR1,CDR2 or CDR3 of the heavy chain variable region or the CDR1, CDR2 orCDR3 of the light chain variable region of an antibody in a targetedmanner, e.g., a “Group-wise targeted approach” or “CDR-wise targetedapproach”. In the “Group-wise targeted approach”, individual amino acidresidues in particular groups are targeted for selective mutationsincluding groups I (including L3 and H3), II (including H2 and L1) andIII (including L2 and H1), the groups being listed in order ofpreference for targeting. In the “CDR-wise targeted approach”,individual amino acid residues in particular CDRs are targeted forselective mutations with the order of preference for targeting asfollows: H3, L3, H2, L1, H1 and L2. The selected amino acid residue ismutated, e.g., to at least two other amino acid residues, and the effectof the mutation on the activity of the antibody is determined. Activityis measured as a change in the binding specificity/affinity of theantibody, and/or neutralization potency of the antibody. It should beunderstood that the selective mutagenesis approach can be used for theoptimization of any antibody derived from any source including phagedisplay, transgenic animals with human IgG germline genes, humanantibodies isolated from human B-cells. The selective mutagenesisapproach can be used on antibodies which can not be optimized furtherusing phage display technology. It should be understood that antibodiesfrom any source including phage display, transgenic animals with humanIgG germline genes, human antibodies isolated from human B-cells can besubject to back-mutation prior to or after the selective mutagenesisapproach.

The phrase “recombinant human antibody” includes human antibodies thatare prepared, expressed, created or isolated by recombinant means, suchas antibodies expressed using a recombinant expression vectortransfected into a host cell, antibodies isolated from a recombinant,combinatorial human antibody library, antibodies isolated from an animal(e.g., a mouse) that is transgenic for human immunoglobulin genes (see,e.g., Taylor, L. D., et al. (1992) Nucl. Acids Res. 20:6287-6295, theentire teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference) orantibodies prepared, expressed, created or isolated by any other meansthat involves splicing of human immunoglobulin gene sequences to otherDNA sequences. Such recombinant human antibodies have variable andconstant regions derived from human germline immunoglobulin sequences(see, Kabat, E. A., et al. (1991) Sequences of Proteins of ImmunologicalInterest, Fifth Edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,NIH Publication No. 91-3242). In certain embodiments, however, suchrecombinant human antibodies are subjected to in vitro mutagenesis (or,when an animal transgenic for human Ig sequences is used, in vivosomatic mutagenesis) and thus the amino acid sequences of the VH and VLregions of the recombinant antibodies are sequences that, while derivedfrom and related to human germline VH and VL sequences, may notnaturally exist within the human antibody germline repertoire in vivo.In certain embodiments, however, such recombinant antibodies are theresult of selective mutagenesis approach or back-mutation or both.

An “isolated antibody” includes an antibody that is substantially freeof other antibodies having different antigenic specificities (e.g., anisolated antibody that specifically binds hIL-13 is substantially freeof antibodies that specifically bind antigens other than hIL-13). Anisolated antibody that specifically binds hIL-13 may bind IL-13molecules from other species. Moreover, an isolated antibody may besubstantially free of other cellular material and/or chemicals.

A “neutralizing antibody” (or an “antibody that neutralized hIL-13activity”) includes an antibody whose binding to hIL-13 results ininhibition of the biological activity of hIL-13. This inhibition of thebiological activity of hIL-13 can be assessed by measuring one or moreindicators of hIL-13 biological activity. These indicators of hIL-13biological activity can be assessed by one or more of several standardin vitro or in vivo assays known in the art.

The term “activity” includes activities such as the bindingspecificity/affinity of an antibody for an antigen, e.g., an anti-hIL-13antibody that binds to an IL-13 antigen and/or the neutralizing potencyof an antibody, e.g., an anti-hIL-13 antibody whose binding to hIL-13inhibits the biological activity of hIL-13.

The phrase “surface plasmon resonance” includes an optical phenomenonthat allows for the analysis of real-time biospecific interactions bydetection of alterations in protein concentrations within a biosensormatrix, e.g., using the B1Acore™ system (Pharmacia Biosensor AB,Uppsala, Sweden and Piscataway, N.J.). For further descriptions, seeJonsson, U., et al. (1993) Ann. Biol. Clin. 51:19-26; Jonsson, U., etal. (1991) Biotechniques 11:620-627; Johnsson, B., el al. (1995) J. Mol.Recognit. 8:125-131; and Johnnson, B., et al. (1991) Anal. Biochem.198:268-277, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein.

The term “Koff”, as used herein, is intended to refer to the off rateconstant for dissociation of an antibody from the antibody/antigencomplex.

The term “Kd”, as used herein, is intended to refer to the dissociationconstant of a particular antibody-antigen interaction.

The phrase “nucleic acid molecule” includes DNA molecules and RNAmolecules. A nucleic acid molecule may be single-stranded ordouble-stranded, but in one aspect is double-stranded DNA.

The phrase “isolated nucleic acid molecule,” as used herein in referenceto nucleic acids encoding antibodies or antibody portions (e.g., VH, VL,CDR3), e.g. those that bind hIL-13 and includes a nucleic acid moleculein which the nucleotide sequences encoding the antibody or antibodyportion are free of other nucleotide sequences encoding antibodies orantibody portions that bind antigens other than hIL-13, which othersequences may naturally flank the nucleic acid in human genomic DNA.Thus, e.g, an isolated nucleic acid of the invention encoding a VHregion of an anti-hIL-13 antibody contains no other sequences encodingother VH regions that bind antigens other than, for example, hIL-13. Thephrase “isolated nucleic acid molecule” is also intended to includesequences encoding bivalent, bispecific antibodies, such as diabodies inwhich VH and VL regions contain no other sequences other than thesequences of the diabody.

The phrase “recombinant host cell” (or simply “host cell”) includes acell into which a recombinant expression vector has been introduced. Itshould be understood that such terms are intended to refer not only tothe particular subject cell but to the progeny of such a cell. Becausecertain modifications may occur in succeeding generations due to eithermutation or environmental influences, such progeny may not, in fact, beidentical to the parent cell, but are still included within the scope ofthe term “host cell” as used herein.

The term “modifying”, as used herein, is intended to refer to changingone or more amino acids in the antibodies or antigen-binding portionsthereof. The change can be produced by adding, substituting or deletingan amino acid at one or more positions. The change can be produced usingknown techniques, such as PCR mutagenesis.

The term “about”, as used herein, is intended to refer to ranges ofapproximately 10-20% greater than or less than the referenced value. Incertain circumstances, one of skill in the art will recognize that, dueto the nature of the referenced value, the term “about” can mean more orless than a 10-20% deviation from that value.

The phrase “viral reduction/inactivation”, as used herein, is intendedto refer to a decrease in the number of viral particles in a particularsample (“reduction”), as well as a decrease in the activity, forexample, but not limited to, the infectivity or ability to replicate, ofviral particles in a particular sample (“inactivation”). Such decreasesin the number and/or activity of viral particles can be on the order ofabout 1% to about 99%, including about 20% to about 99%, including about30% to about 99%, including about 40% to about 99%, including about 50%to about 99%, including about 60% to about 99%, including about 70% toabout 99%, including about 80% to 99%, and including about 90% to about99%. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the amount of virus, if any,in the purified antibody product is less than the ID50 (the amount ofvirus that will infect 50 percent of a target population) for thatvirus, it is at least 10-fold less than the ID50 for that virus, or atleast 100-fold less than the ID50 for that virus, or at least 1000-foldless than the ID50 for that virus.

The phrase “contact position” includes an amino acid position in theCDR1, CDR2 or CDR3 of the heavy chain variable region or the light chainvariable region of an antibody which is occupied by an amino acid thatcontacts antigen in one of the twenty-six known antibody-antigenstructures. If a CDR amino acid in any of the twenty-six known solvedstructures of antibody-antigen complexes contacts the antigen, then thatamino acid can be considered to occupy a contact position. Contactpositions have a higher probability of being occupied by an amino acidwhich contact antigens than in a non-contact position. In one aspect, acontact position is a CDR position which contains an amino acid thatcontacts antigen in greater than 3 of the 26 structures (>1.5%). Inanother aspect, a contact position is a CDR position which contains anamino acid that contacts antigen in greater than 8 of the 25 structures(>32%).

2. Antibody Generation

The term “antibody” as used in this section refers to an intact antibodyor an antigen binding fragment thereof.

The antibodies of the present disclosure can be generated by a varietyof techniques, including immunization of an animal with the antigen ofinterest followed by conventional monoclonal antibody methodologiese.g., the standard somatic cell hybridization technique of Kohler andMilstein (1975) Nature 256: 495. Although somatic cell hybridizationprocedures are preferred, in principle, other techniques for producingmonoclonal antibody can be employed e.g., viral or oncogenictransformation of B lymphocytes.

One animal system for preparing hybridomas is the murine system.Hybridoma production is a very well-established procedure. Immunizationprotocols and techniques for isolation of immunized splenocytes forfusion are known in the art. Fusion partners (e.g., murine myelomacells) and fusion procedures are also known.

An antibody can be a human, a chimeric, or a humanized antibody.Chimeric or humanized antibodies of the present disclosure can beprepared based on the sequence of a non-human monoclonal antibodyprepared as described above. DNA encoding the heavy and light chainimmunoglobulins can be obtained from the non-human hybridoma of interestand engineered to contain non-murine (e.g., human) immunoglobulinsequences using standard molecular biology techniques. For example, tocreate a chimeric antibody, murine variable regions can be linked tohuman constant regions using methods known in the art (see e.g., U.S.Pat. No. 4,816,567 to Cabilly et al.). To create a humanized antibody,murine CDR regions can be inserted into a human framework using methodsknown in the art (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,539 to Winter, and U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,530,101; 5,585,089; 5,693,762 and 6,180,370 to Queen etal.).

In one non-limiting embodiment, the antibodies of this disclosure arehuman monoclonal antibodies. Such human monoclonal antibodies directedagainst IL-13 can be generated using transgenic or transchromosomic micecarrying parts of the human immune system rather than the mouse system.These transgenic and transchromosomic mice include mice referred toherein as the HuMAb Mouse® (Medarex, Inc.), KM Mouse® (Medarex, Inc.),and XenoMouse® (Amgen).

Moreover, alternative transchromosomic animal systems expressing humanimmunoglobulin genes are available in the art and can be used to raiseantibodies of the disclosure, such as anti-IL-13 antibodies. Forexample, mice carrying both a human heavy chain transchromosome and ahuman light chain tranchromosome, referred to as “TC mice” can be used;such mice are described in Tomizuka et al. (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.USA 97:722-727. Furthermore, cows carrying human heavy and light chaintranschromosomes have been described in the art (e.g., Kuroiwa et al.(2002) Nature Biotechnology 20:889-894 and PCT application No. WO2002/092812) and can be used to raise anti-IL-13 antibodies of thisdisclosure.

Recombinant human antibodies of the invention, including, but notlimited to, anti-IL-13 antibodies, an antigen binding portion thereof,or anti-IL-13-related antibodies disclosed herein can be isolated byscreening of a recombinant combinatorial antibody library, e.g., a scFvphage display library, prepared using human VL and VH cDNAs preparedfrom mRNA derived from human lymphocytes. Methodologies for preparingand screening such libraries are known in the art. In addition tocommercially available kits for generating phage display libraries(e.g., the Pharmacia Recombinant Phage Antibody System™, catalog no.27-9400-01; and the Stratagene SurfZAP™ phage display kit, catalog no.240612, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein), examplesof methods and reagents particularly amenable for use in generating andscreening antibody display libraries can be found in, e.g., Ladner etal. U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,409; Kang et al. PCT Publication No. WO92/18619; Dower et al. PCT Publication No. WO 91/17271; Winter et al.PCT Publication No. WO 92/20791; Markland et al. PCT Publication No. WO92/15679; Breitling et al. PCT Publication No. WO 93/01288; McCaffertyet al. PCT Publication No. WO 92/01047; Garrard et al. PCT PublicationNo. WO 92/09690; Fuchs et al. (1991) Bio/Technology 9:1370-1372; Hay etal. (1992) Hum Antibod Hybridomas 3:81-85; Huse et al. (1989) Science246:1275-1281; M_(c)Cafferty et al., Nature (1990) 348:552-554;Griffiths et al. (1993) EMBO J 12:725-734; Hawkins et al. (1992) J MolBiol 226:889-896; Clackson et al. (1991) Nature 352:624-628; Grain etal. (1992) PNAS 89:3576-3580; Garrard et al. (1991) Bio/Technology9:1373-1377; Hoogenboom et al. (1991) Nuc Acid Res 19:4133-4137; andBarbas et al. (1991) PNAS 88:7978-7982; the entire teachings of whichare incorporated herein.

Human monoclonal antibodies of this disclosure can also be preparedusing SCID mice into which human immune cells have been reconstitutedsuch that a human antibody response can be generated upon immunization.Such mice are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,476,996 and5,698,767 to Wilson et al.

In certain embodiments, the methods of the invention include anti-IL-13antibodies and antibody portions, anti-IL-13-related antibodies andantibody portions, and human antibodies and antibody portions withequivalent properties to anti-IL-13 antibodies, such as high affinitybinding to hIL-13 with low dissociation kinetics and high neutralizingcapacity. In one aspect, the invention provides treatment with anisolated human antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof, thatdissociates from hIL-13 with a Kd of about 1×10⁻⁸ M or less and a Koffrate constant of 1×10⁻³ s⁻¹ or less, both determined by surface plasmonresonance. In specific non-limiting embodiments, an anti-IL-13 antibodypurified according to the invention competitively inhibits binding ofABT-308 to IL-13 under physiological conditions.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, antibodies or fragmentsthereof, such as but not limited to anti-IL-13 antibodies or fragmentsthereof, can be altered wherein the constant region of the antibody ismodified to reduce at least one constant region-mediated biologicaleffector function relative to an unmodified antibody. To modify anantibody of the invention such that it exhibits reduced binding to theFc receptor, the immunoglobulin constant region segment of the antibodycan be mutated at particular regions necessary for Fc receptor (FcR)interactions (see, e.g., Canfield and Morrison (1991) J. Exp. Med.173:1483-1491; and Lund et al. (1991) J. of Immunol. 147:2657-2662, theentire teachings of which are incorporated herein). Reduction in FcRbinding ability of the antibody may also reduce other effector functionswhich rely on FcR interactions, such as opsonization and phagocytosisand antigen-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.

3. Antibody Production

3.1 General Production Strategies

To express an antibody of the invention, DNAs encoding partial orfull-length light and heavy chains are inserted into one or moreexpression vector such that the genes are operatively linked totranscriptional and translational control sequences. (See, e.g., U.S.Pat. No. 6,914,128, the entire teaching of which is incorporated hereinby reference.) In this context, the term “operatively linked” isintended to mean that an antibody gene is ligated into a vector suchthat transcriptional and translational control sequences within thevector serve their intended function of regulating the transcription andtranslation of the antibody gene. The expression vector and expressioncontrol sequences are chosen to be compatible with the expression hostcell used. The antibody light chain gene and the antibody heavy chaingene can be inserted into a separate vector or, more typically, bothgenes are inserted into the same expression vector. The antibody genesare inserted into an expression vector by standard methods (e.g.,ligation of complementary restriction sites on the antibody genefragment and vector, or blunt end ligation if no restriction sites arepresent). Prior to insertion of the antibody or antibody-related lightor heavy chain sequences, the expression vector may already carryantibody constant region sequences. For example, one approach toconverting the anti-IL-13 antibody or anti-IL-13 antibody-related VH andVL sequences to full-length antibody genes is to insert them intoexpression vectors already encoding heavy chain constant and light chainconstant regions, respectively, such that the VH segment is operativelylinked to the CH segment(s) within the vector and the VL segment isoperatively linked to the CL segment within the vector. Additionally oralternatively, the recombinant expression vector can encode a signalpeptide that facilitates secretion of the antibody chain from a hostcell. The antibody chain gene can be cloned into the vector such thatthe signal peptide is linked in-frame to the amino terminus of theantibody chain gene. The signal peptide can be an immunoglobulin signalpeptide or a heterologous signal peptide (i.e., a signal peptide from anon-immunoglobulin protein).

In addition to the antibody chain genes, a recombinant expression vectorof the invention can carry one or more regulatory sequence that controlsthe expression of the antibody chain genes in a host cell. The term“regulatory sequence” is intended to include promoters, enhancers andother expression control elements (e.g., polyadenylation signals) thatcontrol the transcription or translation of the antibody chain genes.Such regulatory sequences are described, e.g., in Goeddel; GeneExpression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, SanDiego, Calif. (1990), the entire teaching of which is incorporatedherein by reference. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat the design of the expression vector, including the selection ofregulatory sequences may depend on such factors as the choice of thehost cell to be transformed, the level of expression of protein desired,etc. Suitable regulatory sequences for mammalian host cell expressioninclude viral elements that direct high levels of protein expression inmammalian cells, such as promoters and/or enhancers derived fromcytomegalovirus (CMV) (such as the CMV promoter/enhancer), Simian Virus40 (SV40) (such as the SV40 promoter/enhancer), adenovirus, (e.g., theadenovirus major late promoter (AdMLP)) and polyoma. For furtherdescription of viral regulatory elements, and sequences thereof, see,e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,062 by Stinski, U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,245 byBell et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,615 by Schaffner et al., the entireteachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In addition to the antibody chain genes and regulatory sequences, arecombinant expression vector of the invention may carry one or moreadditional sequences, such as a sequence that regulates replication ofthe vector in host cells (e.g., origins of replication) and/or aselectable marker gene. The selectable marker gene facilitates selectionof host cells into which the vector has been introduced (see e.g., U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,399,216, 4,634,665 and 5,179,017, all by Axel et al., theentire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference). Forexample, typically the selectable marker gene confers resistance todrugs, such as G418, hygromycin or methotrexate, on a host cell intowhich the vector has been introduced. Suitable selectable marker genesinclude the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene (for use in dhfr-hostcells with methotrexate selection/amplification) and the neo gene (forG418 selection).

An antibody, or antibody portion, of the invention can be prepared byrecombinant expression of immunoglobulin light and heavy chain genes ina host cell. To express an antibody recombinantly, a host cell istransfected with one or more recombinant expression vectors carrying DNAfragments encoding the immunoglobulin light and heavy chains of theantibody such that the light and heavy chains are expressed in the hostcell and secreted into the medium in which the host cells are cultured,from which medium the antibodies can be recovered. Standard recombinantDNA methodologies are used to obtain antibody heavy and light chaingenes, incorporate these genes into recombinant expression vectors andintroduce the vectors into host cells, such as those described inSambrook, Fritsch and Maniatis (eds), Molecular Cloning; A LaboratoryManual, Second Edition, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., (1989), Ausubel et al.(eds.) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene PublishingAssociates, (1989) and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,816,397 & 6,914,128, theentire teachings of which are incorporated herein.

For expression of the light and heavy chains, the expression vector(s)encoding the heavy and light chains is (are) transfected into a hostcell by standard techniques. The various forms of the term“transfection” are intended to encompass a wide variety of techniquescommonly used for the introduction of exogenous DNA into a prokaryoticor eukaryotic host cell, e.g., electroporation, calcium-phosphateprecipitation, DEAE-dextran transfection and the like. Although it istheoretically possible to express the antibodies of the invention ineither prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells, expression of antibodies ineukaryotic cells, such as mammalian host cells, is suitable because sucheukaryotic cells, and in particular mammalian cells, are more likelythan prokaryotic cells to assemble and secrete a properly folded andimmunologically active antibody. Prokaryotic expression of antibodygenes has been reported to be ineffective for production of high yieldsof active antibody (Boss and Wood (1985) Immunology Today 6:12-13, theentire teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference).

Suitable host cells for cloning or expressing the DNA in the vectorsherein are the prokaryote, yeast, or higher eukaryote cells describedabove. Suitable prokaryotes for this purpose include eubacteria, such asGram-negative or Gram-positive organisms, e.g., Enterobacteriaceae suchas Escherichia, e.g., E. coli, Enterobacter, Erwinia, Klebsiella,Proteus, Salmonella, e.g., Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia, e.g.,Serratia marcescans, and Shigella, as well as Bacilli such as B.subtilis and B. licheniformis (e.g., B. licheniformis 41P disclosed inDD 266,710 published Apr. 12, 1989), Pseudomonas such as P. aeruginosa,and Streptomyces. One suitable E. coli cloning host is E. coli 294 (ATCC31,446), although other strains such as E. coli B, E. coli X1776 (ATCC31,537), and E. coli W3110 (ATCC 27,325) are suitable. These examplesare illustrative rather than limiting.

In addition to prokaryotes, eukaryotic microbes such as filamentousfungi or yeast are suitable cloning or expression hosts for polypeptideencoding vectors. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or common baker's yeast, isthe most commonly used among lower eukaryotic host microorganisms.However, a number of other genera, species, and strains are commonlyavailable and useful herein, such as Schizosaccharomyces pombe;Kluyveromyces hosts such as, e.g., K. lactis, K. fragilis (ATCC 12,424),K. bulgaricus (ATCC 16,045), K. wickeramii (ATCC 24,178), K. waltii(ATCC 56,500), K. drosophilarum (ATCC 36,906), K. thermotolerans, and K.marxianus; yarrowia (EP 402,226); Pichia pastoris (EP 183,070); Candida;Trichoderma reesia (EP 244,234); Neurospora crassa; Schwanniomyces suchas Schwanniomyces occidentalis; and filamentous fungi such as, e.g.,Neurospora, Penicillium, Tolypocladium, and Aspergillus hosts such as A.nidulans and A. niger.

Suitable host cells for the expression of glycosylated antibodies arederived from multicellular organisms. Examples of invertebrate cellsinclude plant and insect cells. Numerous baculoviral strains andvariants and corresponding permissive insect host cells from hosts suchas Spodoptera frugiperda (caterpillar), Aedes aegypti (mosquito), Aedesalbopictus (mosquito), Drosophila melanogaster (fruitfly), and Bombyxmori have been identified. A variety of viral strains for transfectionare publicly available, e.g., the L-1 variant of Autographa californicaNPV and the Bm-5 strain of Bombyx mori NPV, and such viruses may be usedas the virus herein according to the present invention, particularly fortransfection of Spodoptera frugiperda cells. Plant cell cultures ofcotton, corn, potato, soybean, petunia, tomato, and tobacco can also beutilized as hosts.

Suitable mammalian host cells for expressing the recombinant antibodiesof the invention include Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO cells) (includingdhfr-CHO cells, described in Urlaub and Chasin, (1980) PNAS USA77:4216-4220, used with a DHFR selectable marker, e.g., as described inKaufman and Sharp (1982) Mol. Biol. 159:601-621, the entire teachings ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference), NS0 myeloma cells, COScells and SP2 cells. When recombinant expression vectors encodingantibody genes are introduced into mammalian host cells, the antibodiesare produced by culturing the host cells for a period of time sufficientto allow for expression of the antibody in the host cells or secretionof the antibody into the culture medium in which the host cells aregrown. Other examples of useful mammalian host cell lines are monkeykidney CV1 line transformed by SV40 (COS-7, ATCC CRL 1651); humanembryonic kidney line (293 or 293 cells subcloned for growth insuspension culture, Graham et al., J. Gen Virol. 36:59 (1977)); babyhamster kidney cells (BHK, ATCC CCL 10); Chinese hamster ovarycells/−DHFR (CHO, Urlaub et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:4216(1980)); mouse sertoli cells (TM4, Mather, Biol. Reprod. 23:243-251(1980)); monkey kidney cells (CV1 ATCC CCL 70); African green monkeykidney cells (VERO-76, ATCC CRL-1587); human cervical carcinoma cells(HELA, ATCC CCL 2); canine kidney cells (MDCK, ATCC CCL 34); buffalo ratliver cells (BRL 3A, ATCC CRL 1442); human lung cells (W138, ATCC CCL75); human liver cells (Hep G2, HB 8065); mouse mammary tumor (MMT060562, ATCC CCL51); TR1 cells (Mather et al., Annals N.Y. Acad. Sci.383:44-68 (1982)); MRC 5 cells; FS4 cells; and a human hepatoma line(Hep G2), the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein byreference.

Host cells are transformed with the above-described expression orcloning vectors for antibody production and cultured in conventionalnutrient media modified as appropriate for inducing promoters, selectingtransformants, or amplifying the genes encoding the desired sequences.

The host cells used to produce an antibody may be cultured in a varietyof media. Commercially available media such as Ham's F10™ (Sigma),Minimal Essential Medium™ ((MEM), (Sigma), RPMI-1640 (Sigma), andDulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium™ ((DMEM), Sigma) are suitable forculturing the host cells. In addition, any of the media described in Hamet al., Meth. Enz. 58:44 (1979), Barnes et al., Anal. Biochem. 102:255(1980), U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,704; 4,657,866; 4,927,762; 4,560,655; or5,122,469; WO 90/03430; WO 87/00195; or U.S. Pat. No. Re. 30,985 may beused as culture media for the host cells, the entire teachings of whichare incorporated herein by reference. Any of these media may besupplemented as necessary with hormones and/or other growth factors(such as insulin, transferrin, or epidermal growth factor), salts (suchas sodium chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate), buffers (such asHEPES), nucleotides (such as adenosine and thymidine), antibiotics (suchas gentamycin drug), trace elements (defined as inorganic compoundsusually present at final concentrations in the micromolar range), andglucose or an equivalent energy source. Any other necessary supplementsmay also be included at appropriate concentrations that would be knownto those skilled in the art. The culture conditions, such astemperature, pH, and the like, are those previously used with the hostcell selected for expression, and will be apparent to the ordinarilyskilled artisan.

Host cells can also be used to produce portions of intact antibodies,such as Fab fragments or scFv molecules. It is understood thatvariations on the above procedure are within the scope of the presentinvention. For example, in certain embodiments it may be desirable totransfect a host cell with DNA encoding either the light chain or theheavy chain (but not both) of an antibody of this invention. RecombinantDNA technology may also be used to remove some or all of the DNAencoding either or both of the light and heavy chains that is notnecessary for binding to IL-13, specifically hIL-13. The moleculesexpressed from such truncated DNA molecules are also encompassed by theantibodies of the invention. In addition, bifunctional antibodies may beproduced in which one heavy and one light chain are an antibody of theinvention and the other heavy and light chain are specific for anantigen other than IL-13 by crosslinking an antibody of the invention toa second antibody by standard chemical crosslinking methods.

In a suitable system for recombinant expression of an antibody, orantigen-binding portion thereof, of the invention, a recombinantexpression vector encoding both the antibody heavy chain and theantibody light chain is introduced into dhfr-CHO cells by calciumphosphate-mediated transfection. Within the recombinant expressionvector, the antibody heavy and light chain genes are each operativelylinked to CMV enhancer/AdMLP promoter regulatory elements to drive highlevels of transcription of the genes. The recombinant expression vectoralso carries a DHFR gene, which allows for selection of CHO cells thathave been transfected with the vector using methotrexateselection/amplification. The selected transformant host cells arecultured to allow for expression of the antibody heavy and light chainsand intact antibody is recovered from the culture medium. Standardmolecular biology techniques are used to prepare the recombinantexpression vector, transfect the host cells, select for transformants,culture the host cells and recover the antibody from the culture medium.

When using recombinant techniques, the antibody can be producedintracellularly, in the periplasmic space, or directly secreted into themedium. In one aspect, if the antibody is produced intracellularly, as afirst step, the particulate debris, either host cells or lysed cells(e.g., resulting from homogenization), can be removed, e.g., bycentrifugation or ultrafiltration. Where the antibody is secreted intothe medium, supernatants from such expression systems can be firstconcentrated using a commercially available protein concentrationfilter, e.g., an Amicon™ or Millipore Pellicon™ ultrafiltration unit.

Prior to the process of the invention, procedures for purification ofantibodies from cell debris initially depend on the site of expressionof the antibody. Some antibodies can be secreted directly from the cellinto the surrounding growth media; others are made intracellularly. Forthe latter antibodies, the first step of a purification processtypically involves: lysis of the cell, which can be done by a variety ofmethods, including mechanical shear, osmotic shock, or enzymatictreatments. Such disruption releases the entire contents of the cellinto the homogenate, and in addition produces subcellular fragments thatare difficult to remove due to their small size. These are generallyremoved by differential centrifugation or by filtration. Where theantibody is secreted, supernatants from such expression systems aregenerally first concentrated using a commercially available proteinconcentration filter, e.g., an Amicon™ or Millipore Pellicon™ultrafiltration unit. Where the antibody is secreted into the medium,the recombinant host cells can also be separated from the cell culturemedium, e.g., by tangential flow filtration. Antibodies can be furtherrecovered from the culture medium using the antibody purificationmethods of the invention.

3.2. Exemplary Production Strategy

In certain embodiments, the initial step of anti-IL-13 antibodyproduction involves the use of spinner flask and Biowave bag operationsto expand anti-IL-13 antibody-expressing CHO cells from a single frozenvial to the desired biomass for the inoculation of a 110 L seedbioreactor. A frozen vial of Master Cell Bank CHO cells is thawed andplaced in growth medium (SR-512) and centrifuged. The cells arere-suspended in growth medium and expanded at 37° C. and 5% CO₂ indisposable spinner flasks, shake flasks, and/or Biowave bags ofincreasing volume. Duplicate 20 L wave bags are used to maximize thefinal cell mass expansion prior to inoculation into the seed bioreactor.When the cell density reaches 2.0×10⁶ viable cells/mL from both 20 Lwave bags at approximately 15-17 days, the culture is transferred into a110 L seed bioreactor charged with growth medium SR-520 for furtherexpansion. After inoculation, the target temperature is 37° C., and thepH is set at a target of 7.1 and controlled by addition of NaOH and CO₂sparging. Dissolved oxygen (DO) in the bioreactor is controlled attarget value of 40% by sparging with air and oxygen. Once the celldensity reaches ≧2.6×10⁶ viable cells/mL after approximately 2-4 days,the culture is transferred into a 3000 L production bioreactor.

In certain embodiments, a partial fill of a 3000 L production bioreactoris used to further expand the cell culture. Initially, the reactor ischarged with growth medium (SR-520) and inoculated with the batch fromthe 110 L seed bioreactor. During this short-fill stage, temperature,dissolved oxygen, and pH are controlled at 37° C., 40%, and 7.1,respectively. The culture pH is controlled with CO₂ sparging and NaOHaddition. Typically, the cells grow for 2-4 days before reaching theproduction stage density of ≧1.6×10⁶ viable cells/mL.

Production medium SR-521 (1950 L) is added to the cell culture in the3000 L bioreactor to initiate the production stage. Antifoam C is addedto decrease foaming. The culture pH is controlled at a target value of6.9 with on-off CO₂ sparging and NaOH addition. Temperature anddissolved oxygen are controlled at target values of 35° C. and 40%,respectively. The DO in the bioreactor is initially controlled at thedesired value by air sparging and supplemented with pure oxygen ifneeded. In certain embodiments the temperature is lowered to a targetvalue of 33° C. when the viable cell density reaches 3.0×10⁶ cells/mL,and the pH and DO are maintained at target values of 6.9 and 40%,respectively, while in other embodiments the 35° C. target value ismaintained. Glucose (SR-334) is added as needed. Cultures are harvestedand purified as outlined below when the cell viability drops to 50%.

4. Antibody Purification

4.1 Antibody Purification Generally

The invention provides methods for producing a purified (or“HCP-reduced”) antibody preparation from a mixture comprising anantibody and at least one HCP. The present invention also providesmethods wherein the final purified preparation is reduced in leachedProtein A. The purification process of the invention begins at theseparation step when the antibody has been produced using methodsdescribed above and conventional methods in the art. Table 1 summarizesone embodiment of a purification scheme. Variations of this scheme,including, but not limited to, variations where the Protein A affinitychromatography step is omitted or the order of the ion exchange steps isreversed, are envisaged and are within the scope of this invention.

TABLE 1 Purification steps with their associated purpose Purificationstep Purpose Primary recovery clarification of sample matrix Affinitychromatography antibody capture, host cell protein and associatedimpurity reduction Low pH incubation viral reduction/inactivation Anionexchange antibody capture, host cell protein and chromatographyassociated impurity reduction Hydrophobic interaction reduction ofantibody aggregates and host cell chromatography proteins Viralfiltration removal of large viruses, if presentultrafiltration/diafiltration concentration and buffer exchange Finalfiltration concentrate and formulate antibody

Once a clarified solution or mixture comprising the antibody has beenobtained, separation of the antibody from the other proteins produced bythe cell, such as HCPs, is performed using a combination of differentpurification techniques, including ion exchange separation step(s) andhydrophobic interaction separation step(s). The separation stepsseparate mixtures of proteins on the basis of their charge, degree ofhydrophobicity, or size. In one aspect of the invention, separation isperformed using chromatography, including cationic, anionic, andhydrophobic interaction. Several different chromatography resins areavailable for each of these techniques, allowing accurate tailoring ofthe purification scheme to the particular protein involved. The essenceof each of the separation methods is that proteins can be caused eitherto traverse at different rates down a column, achieving a physicalseparation that increases as they pass further down the column, or toadhere selectively to the separation medium, being then differentiallyeluted by different solvents. In some cases, the antibody is separatedfrom impurities when the impurities specifically adhere to the columnand the antibody does not, i.e., the antibody is present in the flowthrough.

As noted above, accurate tailoring of a purification scheme relies onconsideration of the protein to be purified. In certain embodiments, theseparation steps of the instant invention are employed to separate anantibody from one or more HCPs. Antibodies that can be successfullypurified using the methods described herein include, but are not limitedto, human IgA₁, IgA₂, IgD, IgE, IgG₁, IgG₂, IgG₃, IgG₄, and IgMantibodies. In certain embodiments, the purification strategies of theinstant invention exclude the use of Protein A affinity chromatography,for example in the context of the purification of IgG₃ antibodies, asIgG₃ antibodies bind to Protein A inefficiently. Other factors thatallow for specific tailoring of a purification scheme include, but arenot limited to: the presence or absence of an Fc region (e.g., in thecontext of full length antibody as compared to an Fab fragment thereof)because Protein A binds to the Fc region; the particular germlinesequences employed in generating to antibody of interest; and the aminoacid composition of the antibody (e.g., the primary sequence of theantibody as well as the overall charge/hydrophobicity of the molecule).Antibodies sharing one or more characteristic can be purified usingpurification strategies tailored to take advantage of thatcharacteristic.

4.2 Primary Recovery

The initial steps of the purification methods of the present inventioninvolve the first phase of clarification and primary recovery ofantibody from a sample matrix. In addition, the primary recovery processcan also be a point at which to reduce or inactivate viruses that can bepresent in the sample matrix. For example, any one or more of a varietyof methods of viral reduction/inactivation can be used during theprimary recovery phase of purification including heat inactivation(pasteurization), pH inactivation, solvent/detergent treatment, UV andy-ray irradiation and the addition of certain chemical inactivatingagents such as β-propiolactone or e.g., copper phenanthroline as in U.S.Pat. No. 4,534,972, the entire teaching of which is incorporated hereinby reference. In certain embodiments of the present invention, thesample matrix is exposed to pH viral reduction/inactivation during theprimary recovery phase.

Methods of pH viral reduction/inactivation include, but are not limitedto, incubating the mixture for a period of time at low pH, andsubsequently neutralizing the pH and removing particulates byfiltration. In certain embodiments the mixture will be incubated at a pHof between about 2 and 5, at a pH of between about 3 and 4, including,but not limited to, at a pH of about 3.5. The pH of the sample mixturemay be lowered by any suitable acid including, but not limited to,citric acid, acetic acid, caprylic acid, or other suitable acids. Thechoice of pH level largely depends on the stability profile of theantibody product and buffer components. It is known that the quality ofthe target antibody during low pH virus reduction/inactivation isaffected by pH and the duration of the low pH incubation. In certainembodiments the duration of the low pH incubation will be from 0.5 hr to2 hr, including, but not limited to, 0.5 hr to 1.5 hr, and including,but not limited to, durations of about 1 hr. Virusreduction/inactivation is dependent on these same parameters in additionto protein concentration, which may limit reduction/inactivation at highconcentrations. Thus, the proper parameters of protein concentration,pH, and duration of reduction/inactivation can be selected to achievethe desired level of viral reduction/inactivation.

In certain embodiments viral reduction/inactivation can be achieved viathe use of suitable filters. A non-limiting example of a suitable filteris the Ultipor DV50™ filter from Pall Corporation. Although certainembodiments of the present invention employ such filtration during theprimary recovery phase, in other embodiments it is employed at otherphases of the purification process, including as either the penultimateor final step of purification. In certain embodiments, alternativefilters are employed for viral reduction/inactivation, such as, but notlimited to, Viresolve™ filters (Millipore, Billerica, Mass.); Zeta PlusVR™ filters (CUNO; Meriden, Conn.); and Planova™ filters (Asahi KaseiPharma, Planova Division, Buffalo Grove, Ill.).

In those embodiments where viral reduction/inactivation is employed, thesample mixture can be adjusted, as needed, for further purificationsteps. For example, following low pH viral reduction/inactivation the pHof the sample mixture is typically adjusted to a more neutral pH, e.g.,from about 4.5 to about 8.5, and including, but not limited to, about4.9, prior to continuing the purification process. Additionally, themixture may be flushed with water for injection (WFI) to obtain adesired conductivity.

In certain embodiments, the primary recovery will include one or morecentrifugation steps to further clarify the sample matrix and therebyaid in purifying the anti-IL-13 antibodies. Centrifugation of the samplecan be run at, for example, but not by way of limitation, 7,000×g toapproximately 12,750×g. In the context of large scale purification, suchcentrifugation can occur on-line with a flow rate set to achieve, forexample, but not by way of limitation, a turbidity level of 150 NTU inthe resulting supernatant. Such supernatant can then be collected forfurther purification.

In certain embodiments, the primary recovery will include the use of oneor more depth filtration steps to further clarify the sample matrix andthereby aid in purifying the antibodies of the present invention. Depthfilters contain filtration media having a graded density. Such gradeddensity allows larger particles to be trapped near the surface of thefilter while smaller particles penetrate the larger open areas at thesurface of the filter, only to be trapped in the smaller openings nearerto the center of the filter. In certain embodiments the depth filtrationstep can be a delipid depth filtration step. Although certainembodiments employ depth filtration steps only during the primaryrecovery phase, other embodiments employ depth filters, includingdelipid depth filters, during one or more additional phases ofpurification. Non-limiting examples of depth filters that can be used inthe context of the instant invention include the Cuno™ model 30/60ZAdepth filters (3M Corp.), and 0.45/0.2 μm Sartopore™ bi-layer filtercartridges.

4.3 Affinity Chromatography

In certain embodiments, the primary recovery sample is subjected toaffinity chromatography to further purify the antibody of interest awayfrom HCPs. In certain embodiments the chromatographic material iscapable of selectively or specifically binding to the antibody ofinterest. Non-limiting examples of such chromatographic materialinclude: Protein A, Protein G, chromatographic material comprising theantigen bound by the antibody of interest, and chromatographic materialcomprising an Fc binding protein. In specific embodiments, the affinitychromatography step involves subjecting the primary recovery sample to acolumn comprising a suitable Protein A resin. Protein A resin is usefulfor affinity purification and isolation of a variety antibody isotypes,particularly IgG₁, IgG₂, and IgG₄. Protein A is a bacterial cell wallprotein that binds to mammalian IgGs primarily through their Fc regions.In its native state, Protein A has five IgG binding domains as well asother domains of unknown function.

There are several commercial sources for Protein A resin. Suitableresins include, but are not limited to, MabSelect™ from GE Healthcareand ProSep Ultra Plus™ from Millipore. A non-limiting example of asuitable column packed with MabSelect™ is an about 1.0 cm diameter×about21.6 cm long column (˜17 mL bed volume). This size column can be usedfor small scale purifications and can be compared with other columnsused for scale ups. For example, a 20 cm×21 cm column whose bed volumeis about 6.6 L can be used for larger purifications. Regardless of thecolumn, the column can be packed using a suitable resin such asMabSelect™ or ProSep Ultra Plus™

In certain embodiments it will be advantageous to identify the dynamicbinding capacity (DBC) of the Protein A resin in order to tailor thepurification to the particular antibody of interest. For example, butnot by way of limitation, the DBC of a MabSelect™ or a ProSept UltraPlus™ column can be determined either by a single flow rate load ordual-flow load strategy. The single flow rate load can be evaluated at avelocity of about 300 cm/hr throughout the entire loading period. Thedual-flow rate load strategy can be determined by loading the column upto about 35 mg protein/mL resin at a linear velocity of about 300 cm/hr,then reducing the linear velocity by half to allow longer residence timefor the last portion of the load.

In certain embodiments, the Protein A column can be equilibrated with asuitable buffer prior to sample loading. A non-limiting example of asuitable buffer is a Tris/NaCl buffer, pH of about 7.2. A non-limitingexample of suitable equilibration conditions is 25 mM Tris, 100 mM NaCl,pH of about 7.2. Following this equilibration, the sample can be loadedonto the column. Following the loading of the column, the column can bewashed one or multiple times using, e.g., the equilibrating buffer.Other washes, including washes employing different buffers, can beemployed prior to eluting the column. For example, the column can bewashed using one or more column volumes of 20 mM citric acid/sodiumcitrate, 0.5 M NaCl at pH of about 6.0. This wash can optionally befollowed by one or more washes using the equilibrating buffer. TheProtein A column can then be eluted using an appropriate elution buffer.A non-limiting example of a suitable elution buffer is an aceticacid/NaCl buffer, pH of about 3.5. Suitable conditions are, e.g., 0.1 Macetic acid , pH of about 3.5. The eluate can be monitored usingtechniques well known to those skilled in the art. For example, theabsorbance at OD₂₈₀ can be followed. Column eluate can be collectedstarting with an initial deflection of about 0.5 AU to a reading ofabout 0.5 AU at the trailing edge of the elution peak. The elutionfraction(s) of interest can then be prepared for further processing. Forexample, the collected sample can be titrated to a pH of about 5.0 usingTris (e.g., 1.0 M) at a pH of about 10. Optionally, this titrated samplecan be filtered and further processed.

4.4 Ion Exchange Chromatography

In certain embodiments, the instant invention provides methods forproducing a HCP-reduced antibody preparation from a mixture comprisingan antibody and at least one

HCP by subjecting the mixture to at least one ion exchange separationstep such that an eluate comprising the antibody is obtained. Ionexchange separation includes any method by which two substances areseparated based on the difference in their respective ionic charges, andcan employ either cationic exchange material or anionic exchangematerial.

The use of a cationic exchange material versus an anionic exchangematerial is based on the overall charge of the protein. Therefore, it iswithin the scope of this invention to employ an anionic exchange stepprior to the use of a cationic exchange step, or a cationic exchangestep prior to the use of an anionic exchange step. Furthermore, it iswithin the scope of this invention to employ only a cationic exchangestep, only an anionic exchange step, or any serial combination of thetwo.

In performing the separation, the initial antibody mixture can becontacted with the ion exchange material by using any of a variety oftechniques, e.g., using a batch purification technique or achromatographic technique.

For example, in the context of batch purification, ion exchange materialis prepared in, or equilibrated to, the desired starting buffer. Uponpreparation, or equilibration, a slurry of the ion exchange material isobtained. The antibody solution is contacted with the slurry to adsorbthe antibody to be separated to the ion exchange material. The solutioncomprising the HCP(s) that do not bind to the ion exchange material isseparated from the slurry, e.g., by allowing the slurry to settle andremoving the supernatant. The slurry can be subjected to one or morewash steps. If desired, the slurry can be contacted with a solution ofhigher conductivity to desorb HCPs that have bound to the ion exchangematerial. In order to elute bound polypeptides, the salt concentrationof the buffer can be increased.

Ion exchange chromatography may also be used as an ion exchangeseparation technique. Ion exchange chromatography separates moleculesbased on differences between the overall charge of the molecules. Forthe purification of an antibody, the antibody must have a chargeopposite to that of the functional group attached to the ion exchangematerial, e.g., resin, in order to bind. For example, antibodies, whichgenerally have an overall positive charge in the buffer pH below its pI,will bind well to cation exchange material, which contain negativelycharged functional groups.

In ion exchange chromatography, charged patches on the surface of thesolute are attracted by opposite charges attached to a chromatographymatrix, provided the ionic strength of the surrounding buffer is low.Elution is generally achieved by increasing the ionic strength (i.e.,conductivity) of the buffer to compete with the solute for the chargedsites of the ion exchange matrix. Changing the pH and thereby alteringthe charge of the solute is another way to achieve elution of thesolute. The change in conductivity or pH may be gradual (gradientelution) or stepwise (step elution).

Anionic or cationic substituents may be attached to matrices in order toform anionic or cationic supports for chromatography. Non-limitingexamples of anionic exchange substituents include diethylaminoethyl(DEAE), quaternary aminoethyl (QAE) and quaternary amine (Q) groups.Cationic substitutents include carboxymethyl (CM), sulfoethyl(SE),sulfopropyl(SP), phosphate(P) and sulfonate(S). Cellulose ion exchangeresins such as DE23™, DE32™, DE52™, CM-23™, CM-32™, and CM-52™ areavailable from Whatman Ltd. Maidstone, Kent, U.K. SEPHADEX®-based andcross-linked ion exchangers are also known. For example, DEAE-, QAE-,CM-, and SP-SEPHADEX® and DEAE-, Q-, CM- and S-SEPHAROSE® and SEPHAROSE®Fast Flow are all available from Pharmacia AB. Further, both DEAE and CMderivitized ethylene glycol-methacrylate copolymer such as TOYOPEARL™DEAE-650S or M and TOYOPEARL™ CM-650S or M are available from Toso HaasCo., Philadelphia, Pa. In certain embodiments, an anion exchange step isaccomplished using a Pall Mustang Q membrane cartridge.

A mixture comprising an antibody and impurities, e.g., HCP(s), is loadedonto an ion exchange column, such as a cation exchange column. Forexample, but not by way of limitation, the mixture can be loaded at aload of about 80 g protein/L resin depending upon the column used. Anexample of a suitable cation exchange column is a 80 cm diameter×23 cmlong column whose bed volume is about 116 L. The mixture loaded ontothis cation column can subsequently washed with wash buffer(equilibration buffer). The antibody is then eluted from the column, anda first eluate is obtained.

This ion exchange step facilitates the capture of the antibody ofinterest while reducing impurities such as HCPs. In certain aspects, theion exchange column is a cation exchange column. For example, but not byway of limitation, a suitable resin for such a cation exchange column isCM HyperDF™ resin. These resins are available from commercial sourcessuch as Pall Corporation. This cation exchange procedure can be carriedout at or around room temperature.

4.5 Ultrafiltration/Diafiltration

Certain embodiments of the present invention employ ultrafiltrationand/or diafiltration steps to further purify and concentrate theantibody sample. Ultrafiltration is described in detail in:Microfiltration and Ultrafiltration: Principles and Applications, L.Zeman and A. Zydney (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1996); and in:Ultrafiltration Handbook, Munir Cheryan (Technomic Publishing, 1986;ISBN No. 87762-456-9). One filtration process is Tangential FlowFiltration as described in the Millipore catalogue entitled“Pharmaceutical Process Filtration Catalogue” pp. 177-202 (Bedford,Mass., 1995/96). Ultrafiltration is generally considered to meanfiltration using filters with a pore size of smaller than 0.1 μm. Byemploying filters having such small pore size, the volume of the samplecan be reduced through permeation of the sample buffer through thefilter while antibodies are retained behind the filter.

Diafiltration is a method of using ultrafilters to remove and exchangesalts, sugars, and non-aqueous solvents, to separate free from boundspecies, to remove low molecular-weight material, and/or to cause therapid change of ionic and/or pH environments. Microsolutes are removedmost efficiently by adding solvent to the solution being ultrafilteredat a rate approximately equal to the ultratfiltration rate. This washesmicrospecies from the solution at a constant volume, effectivelypurifying the retained antibody. In certain embodiments of the presentinvention, a diafiltration step is employed to exchange the variousbuffers used in connection with the instant invention, optionally priorto further chromatography or other purification steps, as well as toremove impurities from the antibody preparations.

4.6 Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography

The present invention also features methods for producing a HCP-reducedantibody preparation from a mixture comprising an antibody and at leastone HCP further comprising a hydrophobic interaction separation step.For example, a first eluate obtained from an ion exchange column can besubjected to a hydrophobic interaction material such that a secondeluate having a reduced level of HCP is obtained. Hydrophobicinteraction chromatography steps, such as those disclosed herein, aregenerally performed to remove protein aggregates, such as antibodyaggregates, and process-related impurities.

In performing the separation, the sample mixture is contacted with theHIC material, e.g., using a batch purification technique or using acolumn. Prior to HIC purification it may be desirable to remove anychaotropic agents or very hydrophobic substances, e.g., by passing themixture through a pre-column.

For example, in the context of batch purification, HIC material isprepared in or equilibrated to the desired equilibration buffer. Aslurry of the HIC material is obtained. The antibody solution iscontacted with the slurry to adsorb the antibody to be separated to theHIC material. The solution comprising the HCPs that do not bind to theHIC material is separated from the slurry, e.g., by allowing the slurryto settle and removing the supernatant. The slurry can be subjected toone or more washing steps. If desired, the slurry can be contacted witha solution of lower conductivity to desorb antibodies that have bound tothe HIC material. In order to elute bound antibodies, the saltconcentration can be decreased.

Whereas ion exchange chromatography relies on the charges of theantibodies to isolate them, hydrophobic interaction chromatography usesthe hydrophobic properties of the antibodies. Hydrophobic groups on theantibody interact with hydrophobic groups on the column. The morehydrophobic a protein is the stronger it will interact with the column.Thus the HIC step removes host cell derived impurities (e.g., DNA andother high and low molecular weight product-related species).

Hydrophobic interactions are strongest at high ionic strength,therefore, this form of separation is conveniently performed followingsalt precipitations or ion exchange procedures. Adsorption of theantibody to a HIC column is favored by high salt concentrations, but theactual concentrations can vary over a wide range depending on the natureof the antibody and the particular HIC ligand chosen. Various ions canbe arranged in a so-called soluphobic series depending on whether theypromote hydrophobic interactions (salting-out effects) or disrupt thestructure of water (chaotropic effect) and lead to the weakening of thehydrophobic interaction. Cations are ranked in terms of increasingsalting out effect as Ba++; Ca++; Mg++; L1+; Cs+; Na+; K+; Rb+; NH4+,while anions may be ranked in terms of increasing chaotropic effect asP0---; S04--; CH3CO3-; Cl—; Br—; NO3—; ClO4-; I—; SCN—.

In general, Na, K or NH₄ sulfates effectively promote ligand-proteininteraction in HIC. Salts may be formulated that influence the strengthof the interaction as given by the following relationship:(NH₄)₂SO₄>Na₂SO₄>NaCl>NH₄Cl>NaBr>NaSCN. In general, salt concentrationsof between about 0.75 and about 2 M ammonium sulfate or between about 1and 4 M NaCl are useful.

HIC columns normally comprise a base matrix (e.g., cross-linked agaroseor synthetic copolymer material) to which hydrobobic ligands (e.g.,alkyl or aryl groups) are coupled. A suitable HIC column comprises anagarose resin substituted with phenyl groups (e.g., a Phenyl Sepharose™column). Many HIC columns are available commercially. Examples include,but are not limited to, Phenyl Sepharose™ 6 Fast Flow column with low orhigh substitution (Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology, AB, Sweden); PhenylSepharose™ High Performance column (Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology, AB,Sweden); Octyl Sepharose™ High Performance column (Pharmacia LKBBiotechnology, AB, Sweden); Fractogel™ EMD Propyl or Fractogel™ EMDPhenyl columns (E. Merck, Germany); Macro-Prep™ Methyl orMacro-Prep™t-Butyl Supports (Bio-Rad, California); WP HI-Propyl (C3)™column (J. T. Baker, New Jersey); and Toyopearl™ ether, phenyl or butylcolumns (TosoHaas, Pa.)

4.7 Exemplary Purification Strategies

In certain embodiments, primary recovery proceeds by initially employingcentrifugation and filtration steps to remove cells and cell debris(including HCPs) from the production bioreactor harvest. For example,but not by way of limitation, a culture comprising antibodies, media,and cells can be subjected to centrifuguation at approximately 7000×g toapproximately 11,000×g. In certain embodiments, the resulting samplesupernatant is then passed through a filter train comprising multipledepth filters. In certain embodiments, the filter train comprises aroundtwelve 16-inch Cuno™ model 30/60ZA depth filters (3M Corp.) and aroundthree round filter housings fitted with three 30-inch 0.45/0.2 μmSartopore™ 2 filter cartridges (Sartorius). The clarified supernatant iscollected in a vessel such as a pre-sterilized harvest vessel and heldat approximately 8° C. This temperature is then adjusted toapproximately 20° C. prior to the capture chromatography step or stepsoutlined below. It should be noted that one skilled in the art may varythe conditions recited above and still be within the scope of thepresent invention.

In certain embodiments, primary recovery will be followed by affinitychromatography using Protein A resin. There are several commercialsources for Protein A resin. One suitable resin is MabSelect™ from GEHealthcare. An example of a suitable column packed with MabSelect™ is acolumn about 1.0 cm diameter×about 21.6 cm long (˜17 mL bed volume).This size column can be used for bench scale. This can be compared withother columns used for scale ups. For example, a 20 cm×21 cm columnwhose bed volume is about 6.6 L can be used for commercial production.Regardless of the column, the column can be packed using a suitableresin such as MabSelect™

In certain aspects, the Protein A column can be equilibrated with asuitable buffer prior to sample loading. An example of a suitable bufferis a Tris/NaCl buffer, pH of about 6 to 8, including, but not limitedto, about 7.2. A specific example of suitable conditions is 25 mM Tris,100 mM NaCl, pH 7.2. Following this equilibration, the sample can beloaded onto the column. Following the loading of the column, the columncan be washed one or multiple times using, e.g., the equilibratingbuffer. Other washes including washes employing different buffers can beused before eluting the column. For example, the column can be washedusing one or more column volumes of 20 mM citric acid/sodium citrate,0.5 M NaCl at pH of about 6.0. This wash can optionally be followed byone or more washes using the equilibrating buffer. The Protein A columncan then be eluted using an appropriate elution buffer. An example of asuitable elution buffer is an acetic acid/NaCl buffer, pH around 3.5.Suitable conditions are, e.g., 0.1 M acetic acid, pH 3.5. The eluate canbe monitored using techniques well known to those skilled in the art.For example, the absorbance at OD₂₈₀ can be followed. Column eluate canbe collected starting with an initial deflection of about 0.5 AU to areading of about 0.5 AU at the trailing edge of the elution peak. Theelution fraction(s) of interest can then be prepared for furtherprocessing. For example, the collected sample can be titrated to a pH ofabout 5.0 using Tris (e.g., 1.0 M) at a pH of about 10. Optionally, thistitrated sample can be filtered and further processed.

The dynamic binding capacity (DBC) of the MabSelect™ column can bedetermined either by a single flow rate load or dual-flow load strategy.The single flow rate load can be evaluated at a velocity of about 300cm/hr throughout the entire loading period. The dual-flow rate loadstrategy can be determined by loading the column up to about 35 mgprotein/mL resin at a linear velocity of about 300 cm/hr, then reducingthe linear velocity by half to allow longer residence time for the lastportion of the load.

The Protein A eluate can then be further purified by employing apH-mediated virus reduction/inactivation step. In certain embodimentsthis step will involve adjusting the pH of the eluate to between about 3and about 5, including, but not limited to, about 3.5, for approximately1 hour. The pH reduction can be facilitated using known acidpreparations such as citric acid, e.g., 3 M citric acid. Exposure toacid pH reduces, if not completely eliminates, pH sensitive viralcontaminants and precipitates some media/cell contaminants. Followingthis viral reduction/inactivation step, the pH is adjusted to about 4.9or 5.0 using a base such as sodium hydroxide, e.g., 3 M sodiumhydroxide, for about twenty to about forty minutes. This adjustment canoccur at around 20° C.

In certain embodiments the pH adjusted culture is further purified usingan anion exchange column. A non-limiting example of a suitable columnfor this step is a 60 cm diameter×30 cm long column whose bed volume isabout 85 L. The column is packed with an anion exchange resin, such as QSepharose™ Fast Flow from GE Healthcare. The column can be equilibratedusing about seven column volumes of an appropriate buffer such asTris/sodium chloride. An example of suitable conditions are 25 mM Tris,50 mM sodium chloride at pH 8.0. A skilled artisan may vary theconditions but still be within the scope of the present invention. Thecolumn is loaded with the collected sample from the Protein Apurification step outlined above. In another aspect, the column isloaded from the eluate collected during cation exchange. Following theloading of the column, the column is washed with the equilibrationbuffer (e.g., the Tris/sodium chloride buffer). The flow-throughcomprising the antibodies can be monitored using a UV spectrophotometerat OD_(280nm). This anion exchange step reduces process relatedimpurities such as nucleic acids like DNA, and host cell proteins. Theseparation occurs due to the fact that the antibodies of interest do notsubstantially interact with nor bind to the solid phase of the column,e.g., to the Q Sepharose™, but many impurities do interact with and bindto the column's solid phase. The anion exchange can be performed atabout 12° C.

In certain embodiments, the pH adjusted culture then further purifiedusing a cation exchange column. In certain embodiments, theequilibrating buffer used in the cation exchange column is a bufferhaving a pH of about 5.0. An example of a suitable buffer is about 210mM sodium acetate, pH 5.0. Following equilibration, the column is loadedwith sample prepared from the primary recovery step above. The column ispacked with a cation exchange resin, such as CM Sepharose™ Fast Flowfrom GE Healthcare. The column is then washed using the equilibratingbuffer. The column is next subjected to an elution step using a bufferhaving a greater ionic strength as compared to the equilibrating or washbuffer. For example, a suitable elution buffer can be about 790 mMsodium acetate, pH 5.0. The antibodies will be eluted and can bemonitored using a UV spectrophotometer set at OD_(280nm). In aparticular example, elution collection can be from upside 30D_(280nm) todownside 8OD_(280nm)). It should be understood that one skilled in theart may vary the conditions and yet still be within the scope of theinvention.

In certain embodiments, the pH adjusted culture, the cation exchangeeluate, or the anion exchange eluate, is filtered using, e.g., a 16 inchCuno™ delipid filter. This filtration, using the delipid filter, can befollowed by, e.g., a 30-inch 0.45/0.2 μm Sartopore™ bi-layer filtercartridge. The ion exchange elution buffer can be used to flush theresidual volume remaining in the filters and prepared forultrafiltration/diafiltration.

In order to accomplish the ultratfiltration/diafiltration step, thefiltration media is prepared in a suitable buffer, e.g., 20 mM sodiumphosphate, pH 7.0. A salt such as sodium chloride can be added toincrease the ionic strength, e.g., 100 mM sodium chloride. Thisultrafiltration/diafiltration step serves to concentrate the anti-IL-13antibodies, remove the sodium acetate and adjust the pH. Commercialfilters are available to effectuate this step. For example, Milliporemanufactures a 30 kD molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) celluloseultrafilter membrane cassette. This filtration procedure can beconducted at or around room temperature.

In certain embodiments, the sample from the capture filtration stepabove is subjected to a second ion exchange separation step. This secondion exchange separation will, in certain embodiments, involve separationbased on the opposite charge of the first ion exchange separation. Forexample, if an anion exchange step is employed after primary recovery,the second ion exchange chromatographic step may be a cation exchangestep. Conversely, if the primary recovery step was followed by a cationexchange step, that step would be followed by an anion exchange step. Incertain embodiments the first ion exchange eluate can be subjecteddirectly to the second ion exchange chromatographic step where the firstion exchange eluate is adjusted to the appropriate buffer conditions.Suitable anionic and cationic separation materials and conditions aredescribed above.

In certain embodiments of the instant invention the sample containingantibodies will be further processed using a hydrophobic interactionseparation step. A non-limiting example of a suitable column for such astep is an 80 cm diameter×15 cm long column whose bed volume is about 75L, which is packed with an appropriate resin used for HIC such as, butnot limited to, Phenyl HP Sepharose™ from Amersham Biosciences, Upsala,Sweden. The flow-through preparation obtained from the previous anionexchange chromatography step comprising the antibodies of interest canbe diluted with an equal volume of around 1.7 M ammonium sulfate, 50 mMsodium phosphate, pH 7.0. This then can be subjected to filtration usinga 0.45/0.2 μm Sartopore™ 2 bi-layer filter, or its equivalent. Incertain embodiments, the hydrophobic chromatography procedure involvestwo or more cycles.

In certain embodiments, the HIC column is first equilibrated using asuitable buffer. A non-limiting example of a suitable buffer is 0.85 Mammonium sulfate, 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0. One skilled in the artcan vary the equilibrating buffer and still be within the scope of thepresent invention by altering the concentrations of the buffering agentsand/or by substituting equivalent buffers. In certain embodiments thecolumn is then loaded with an anion exchange flow-through sample andwashed multiple times, e.g., three times, with an appropriate buffersystem such as ammonium sulfate/sodium phosphate. An example of asuitable buffer system includes 1.1 M ammonium sulfate, 50 mM sodiumphosphate buffer with a pH of around 7.0. Optionally, the column canundergo further wash cycles. For example, a second wash cycle caninclude multiple column washes, e.g., one to seven times, using anappropriate buffer system. A non-limiting example of a suitable buffersystem includes 0.85 M ammonium sulfate, 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0.In one aspect, the loaded column undergoes yet a third wash using anappropriate buffer system. The column can be washed multiple times,e.g., one to three times, using a buffer system such as 1.1 M ammoniumsulfate, 50 mM sodium phosphate at a pH around 7.0. Again, one skilledin the art can vary the buffering conditions and still be within thescope of the present invention.

The column is eluted using an appropriate elution buffer. A suitableexample of such an elution buffer is 0.5 M ammonium sulfate, 15 mMsodium phosphate at a pH around 7.0. The antibodies of interest can bedetected and collected using a conventional spectrophotometer from theupside at 3 OD_(280 nm), to downside of peak at 3 OD_(280 nm).

In certain aspects of the invention, the eluate from the hydrophobicchromatography step is subjected to filtration for the removal of viralparticles, including intact viruses, if present. A non-limiting exampleof a suitable filter is the Ultipor DV50™ filter from Pall Corporation.Other viral filters can be used in this filtration step and are wellknown to those skilled in the art. The HIC eluate is passed through apre-wetted filter of about 0.1 μm and a 2×30-inch Ultipor DV50™ filtertrain at around 34 psig. In certain embodiments, following thefiltration process, the filter is washed using, e.g., the HIC elutionbuffer in order to remove any antibodies retained in the filter housing.The filtrate can be stored in a pre-sterilized container at around 12°C.

In a certain embodiments, the filtrate from the above is again subjectedto ultrafiltration/diafiltration. This step is important if apractitioner's end point is to use the antibody in a, e.g.,pharmaceutical formulation. This process, if employed, can facilitatethe concentration of antibody, removal of buffering salts previouslyused and replace it with a particular formulation buffer. In certainembodiments, continuous diafiltration with multiple volumes, e.g., twovolumes, of a formulation buffer is performed. A non-limiting example ofa suitable formulation buffer is 5 mM methionine, 2% mannitol, 0.5%sucrose, pH 5.9 buffer (no Tween). Upon completion of this diavolumeexchange the antibodies are concentrated. Once a predeterminedconcentration of antibody has been achieved, then a practitioner cancalculate the amount of 10% Tween that should be added to arrive at afinal Tween concentration of about 0.005% (v/v).

Certain embodiments of the present invention will include furtherpurification steps. Examples of additional purification procedures whichcan be performed prior to, during, or following the ion exchangechromatography method include ethanol precipitation, isoelectricfocusing, reverse phase HPLC, chromatography on silica, chromatographyon heparin Sepharose™, further anion exchange chromatography and/orfurther cation exchange chromatography, chromatofocusing, SDS-PAGE,ammonium sulfate precipitation, hydroxylapatite chromatography, gelelectrophoresis, dialysis, and affinity chromatography (e.g., usingprotein G, an antibody, a specific substrate, ligand or antigen as thecapture reagent).

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the anti-IL-13 antibodyis an IgA₁, IgA₂, IgD, IgE, IgG₁, IgG₂, IgG₃, IgG₄, or IgM isotypeantibody comprising the heavy and light chain variable region sequencesoutlined in FIG. 1. In certain embodiments, the anti-IL-13 antibody isan IgG₁, IgG₂, IgG₃ or IgG₄ isotype antibody comprising the heavy andlight chain variable region sequences outlined in FIG. 1.

5. Methods Of Assaying Sample Purity

5.1 Assaying Host Cell Protein

The present invention also provides methods for determining the residuallevels of host cell protein (HCP) concentration in the isolated/purifiedantibody composition. As described above, HCPs are desirably excludedfrom the final target substance product, e.g., the anti-IL-13 antibody.Exemplary HCPs include proteins originating from the source of theantibody production. Failure to identify and sufficiently remove HCPsfrom the target antibody may lead to reduced efficacy and/or adversesubject reactions.

As used herein, the term “HCP ELISA” refers to an ELISA where the secondantibody used in the assay is specific to the HCPs produced from cells,e.g., CHO cells, used to generate the antibody (e.g., anti-IL-13antibody). The second antibody may be produced according to conventionalmethods known to those of skill in the art. For example, the secondantibody may be produced using HCPs obtained by sham production andpurification runs, i.e., the same cell line used to produce the antibodyof interest is used, but the cell line is not transfected with antibodyDNA. In an exemplary embodiment, the second antibody is produced usingHPCs similar to those expressed in the cell expression system of choice,i.e., the cell expression system used to produce the target antibody.

Generally, HCP ELISA comprises sandwiching a liquid sample comprisingHCPs between two layers of antibodies, i.e., a first antibody and asecond antibody. The sample is incubated during which time the HCPs inthe sample are captured by the first antibody, for example, but notlimited to goat anti-CHO, affinity purified (Cygnus). A labeled secondantibody, or blend of antibodies, specific to the HCPs produced from thecells used to generate the antibody, e.g., anti-CHO HCP Biotinylated, isadded, and binds to the HCPs within the sample. In certain embodimentsthe first and second antibodies are polyclonal antibodies. In certainaspects the first and second antibodies are blends of polyclonalantibodies raised against HCPs, for example, but not limited toBiotinylated goat anti Host Cell Protein Mixture 599/626/748. The amountof HCP contained in the sample is determined using the appropriate testbased on the label of the second antibody.

HCP ELISA may be used for determining the level of HCPs in an antibodycomposition, such as an eluate or flow-through obtained using theprocess described above.

The present invention also provides a composition comprising anantibody, wherein the composition has no detectable level of HCPs asdetermined by an HCP Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (“ELISA”).

5.2 Assaying Affinity Chromatographic Material

In certain embodiments, the present invention also provides methods fordetermining the residual levels of affinity chromatographic material inthe isolated/purified antibody composition. In certain contexts suchmaterial leaches into the antibody composition during the purificationprocess. In certain embodiments, an assay for identifying theconcentration of Protein A in the isolated/purified antibody compositionis employed. As used herein, the term “Protein A ELISA” refers to anELISA where the second antibody used in the assay is specific to theProtein A employed to purify the antibody of interest, e.g., ananti-IL-13 antibody. The second antibody may be produced according toconventional methods known to those of skill in the art. For example,the second antibody may be produced using naturally occurring orrecombinant Protein A in the context of conventional methods forantibody generation and production.

Generally, Protein A ELISA comprises sandwiching a liquid samplecomprising Protein A (or possibly containing Protein A) between twolayers of anti-Protein A antibodies, i.e., a first anti-Protein Aantibody and a second anti-Protein A antibody. The sample is exposed toa first layer of anti-Protein A antibody, for example, but not limitedto polyclonal antibodies or blends of polyclonal antibodies, andincubated for a time sufficient for Protein A in the sample to becaptured by the first antibody. A labeled second antibody, for example,but not limited to polyclonal antibodies or blends of polyclonalantibodies, specific to the Protein A is then added, and binds to thecaptured Protein A within the sample. Additional non-limiting examplesof anti-Protein A antibodies useful in the context of the instantinvention include chicken anti-Protein A and biotinylated anti-Protein Aantibodies. The amount of Protein A contained in the sample isdetermined using the appropriate test based on the label of the secondantibody. Similar assays can be employed to identify the concentrationof alternative affinity chromatographic materials.

Protein A ELISA may be used for determining the level of Protein A in anantibody composition, such as an eluate or flow-through obtained usingthe process described in above. The present invention also provides acomposition comprising an antibody, wherein the composition has nodetectable level of Protein A as determined by an Protein A EnzymeLinked Immunosorbent Assay (“ELISA”).

6. Further Modifications

The antibodies of the present invention can be modified. In someembodiments, the antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof arechemically modified to provide a desired effect. For example, pegylationof antibodies or antibody fragments of the invention may be carried outby any of the pegylation reactions known in the art, as described, e.g.,in the following references: Focus on Growth Factors 3:4-10 (1992); EP 0154 316; and EP 0 401 384, each of which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. In one aspect, the pegylation is carried out viaan acylation reaction or an alkylation reaction with a reactivepolyethylene glycol molecule (or an analogous reactive water-solublepolymer). A suitable water-soluble polymer for pegylation of theantibodies and antibody fragments of the invention is polyethyleneglycol (PEG). As used herein, “polyethylene glycol” is meant toencompass any of the forms of PEG that have been used to derivatizeother proteins, such as mono (C1-C10) alkoxy- or aryloxy-polyethyleneglycol.

Methods for preparing pegylated antibodies and antibody fragments of theinvention will generally comprise the steps of (a) reacting the antibodyor antibody fragment with polyethylene glycol, such as a reactive esteror aldehyde derivative of PEG, under suitable conditions whereby theantibody or antibody fragment becomes attached to one or more PEGgroups, and (b) obtaining the reaction products. It will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art to select the optimal reactionconditions or the acylation reactions based on known parameters and thedesired result.

Pegylated antibodies and antibody fragments specific for IL-13 maygenerally be used to treat IL-13-related disorders of the invention byadministration of the anti-IL-13 antibodies and antibody fragmentsdescribed herein. Generally the pegylated antibodies and antibodyfragments have increased half-life, as compared to the nonpegylatedantibodies and antibody fragments. The pegylated antibodies and antibodyfragments may be employed alone, together, or in combination with otherpharmaceutical compositions.

An antibody or antibody portion of the invention can be derivatized orlinked to another functional molecule (e.g., another peptide orprotein). Accordingly, the antibodies and antibody portions of theinvention are intended to include derivatized and otherwise modifiedforms of the human anti-hIL-13 antibodies described herein, includingimmunoadhesion molecules. For example, an antibody or antibody portionof the invention can be functionally linked (by chemical coupling,genetic fusion, noncovalent association or otherwise) to one or moreother molecular entities, such as another antibody (e.g., a bispecificantibody or a diabody), a detectable agent, a cytotoxic agent, apharmaceutical agent, and/or a protein or peptide that can mediateassociate of the antibody or antibody portion with another molecule(such as a streptavidin core region or a polyhistidine tag).

One type of derivatized antibody is produced by crosslinking two or moreantibodies (of the same type or of different types, e.g., to createbispecific antibodies). Suitable crosslinkers include those that areheterobifunctional, having two distinctly reactive groups separated byan appropriate spacer (e.g., m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimideester) or homobifunctional (e.g., disuccinimidyl suberate). Such linkersare available from Pierce Chemical Company, Rockford, Ill.

Useful detectable agents with which an antibody or antibody portion ofthe invention may be derivatized include fluorescent compounds.Exemplary fluorescent detectable agents include fluorescein, fluoresceinisothiocyanate, rhodamine, 5-dimethylamine-1-napthalenesulfonylchloride, phycoerythrin and the like. An antibody may also bederivatized with detectable enzymes, such as alkaline phosphatase,horseradish peroxidase, glucose oxidase and the like. When an antibodyis derivatized with a detectable enzyme, it is detected by addingadditional reagents that the enzyme uses to produce a detectablereaction product. For example, when the detectable agent horseradishperoxidase is present, the addition of hydrogen peroxide anddiaminobenzidine leads to a colored reaction product, which isdetectable. An antibody may also be derivatized with biotin, anddetected through indirect measurement of avidin or streptavidin binding.

7 . Pharmaceutical Compositions

The antibodies and antibody-portions of the invention can beincorporated into pharmaceutical compositions suitable foradministration to a subject. Typically, the pharmaceutical compositioncomprises an antibody or antibody portion of the invention and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier. As used herein, “pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier” includes any and all solvents, dispersion media,coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorptiondelaying agents, and the like that are physiologically compatible.Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include one or more ofwater, saline, phosphate buffered saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanoland the like, as well as combinations thereof. In many cases, it isdesirable to include isotonic agents, e.g., sugars, polyalcohols such asmannitol, sorbitol, or sodium chloride in the composition.Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers may further comprise minor amountsof auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents,preservatives or buffers, which enhance the shelf life or effectivenessof the antibody or antibody portion.

The antibodies and antibody-portions of the invention can beincorporated into a pharmaceutical composition suitable for parenteraladministration. The antibody or antibody-portions can be prepared as aninjectable solution containing, e.g., 0.1-250 mg/mL antibody. Theinjectable solution can be composed of either a liquid or lyophilizeddosage form in a flint or amber vial, ampule or pre-filled syringe. Thebuffer can be L-histidine approximately 1-50 mM, (optimally 5-10 mM), atpH 5.0 to 7.0 (optimally pH 6.0). Other suitable buffers include but arenot limited to sodium succinate, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate orpotassium phosphate. Sodium chloride can be used to modify the toxicityof the solution at a concentration of 0-300 mM (optimally 150 mM for aliquid dosage form). Cryoprotectants can be included for a lyophilizeddosage form, principally 0-10% sucrose (optimally 0.5-1.0%). Othersuitable cryoprotectants include trehalose and lactose. Bulking agentscan be included for a lyophilized dosage form, principally 1-10%mannitol (optimally 24%). Stabilizers can be used in both liquid andlyophilized dosage forms, principally 1-50 mM L-methionine (optimally5-10 mM). Other suitable bulking agents include glycine, arginine, canbe included as 0-0.05% polysorbate-80 (optimally 0.005-0.01%).Additional surfactants include but are not limited to polysorbate 20 andBRIJ surfactants.

In one aspect, the pharmaceutical composition includes the antibody at adosage of about 0.01 mg/kg-10 mg/kg. In another aspect, the dosages ofthe antibody include approximately 1 mg/kg administered every otherweek, or approximately 0.3 mg/kg administered weekly. A skilledpractitioner can ascertain the proper dosage and regime foradministering to a subject.

The compositions of this invention may be in a variety of forms. Theseinclude, e.g., liquid, semi-solid and solid dosage forms, such as liquidsolutions (e.g., injectable and infusible solutions), dispersions orsuspensions, tablets, pills, powders, liposomes and suppositories. Theform depends on, e.g., the intended mode of administration andtherapeutic application. Typical compositions are in the form ofinjectable or infusible solutions, such as compositions similar to thoseused for passive immunization of humans with other antibodies. One modeof administration is parenteral (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous,intraperitoneal, intramuscular). In one aspect, the antibody isadministered by intravenous infusion or injection. In another aspect,the antibody is administered by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.

Therapeutic compositions typically must be sterile and stable under theconditions of manufacture and storage. The composition can be formulatedas a solution, microemulsion, dispersion, liposome, or other orderedstructure suitable to high drug concentration. Sterile injectablesolutions can be prepared by incorporating the active compound (i.e.,antibody or antibody portion) in the required amount in an appropriatesolvent with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, asrequired, followed by filtered sterilization. Generally, dispersions areprepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile vehiclethat contains a basic dispersion medium and the required otheringredients from those enumerated above. In the case of sterile,lyophilized powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions,the methods of preparation are vacuum drying and spray-drying thatyields a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desiredingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof. Theproper fluidity of a solution can be maintained, e.g., by the use of acoating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particlesize in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants. Prolongedabsorption of injectable compositions can be brought about by includingin the composition an agent that delays absorption, e.g., monostearatesalts and gelatin.

The antibodies and antibody-portions of the present invention can beadministered by a variety of methods known in the art, one route/mode ofadministration is subcutaneous injection, intravenous injection orinfusion. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, the routeand/or mode of administration will vary depending upon the desiredresults. In certain embodiments, the active compound may be preparedwith a carrier that will protect the compound against rapid release,such as a controlled release formulation, including implants,transdermal patches, and microencapsulated delivery systems.Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylenevinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen,polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. Many methods for the preparationof such formulations are patented or generally known to those skilled inthe art. See, e.g., Sustained and Controlled Release Drug DeliverySystems, J. R. Robinson, ed., Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1978, theentire teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In certain aspects, an antibody or antibody portion of the invention maybe orally administered, e.g., with an inert diluent or an assimilableedible carrier. The compound (and other ingredients, if desired) mayalso be enclosed in a hard or soft shell gelatin capsule, compressedinto tablets, or incorporated directly into the subject's diet. For oraltherapeutic administration, the compounds may be incorporated withexcipients and used in the form of ingestible tablets, buccal tablets,troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, and the like.To administer a compound of the invention by other than parenteraladministration, it may be necessary to coat the compound with, orco-administer the compound with, a material to prevent its inactivation.

Supplementary active compounds can also be incorporated into thecompositions. In certain aspects, an antibody or antibody portion of theinvention is co-formulated with and/or co-administered with one or moreadditional therapeutic agents that are useful for treating disorders inwhich IL-13 activity is detrimental. For example, an anti-hIL-13antibody or antibody portion of the invention may be co-formulatedand/or co-administered with one or more additional antibodies that bindother targets (e.g., antibodies that bind other cytokines or that bindcell surface molecules). Furthermore, one or more antibodies of theinvention may be used in combination with two or more of the foregoingtherapeutic agents. Such combination therapies may advantageouslyutilize lower dosages of the administered therapeutic agents, thusavoiding possible toxicities or complications associated with thevarious monotherapies. It will be appreciated by the skilledpractitioner that when the antibodies of the invention are used as partof a combination therapy, a lower dosage of antibody may be desirablethan when the antibody alone is administered to a subject (e.g., asynergistic therapeutic effect may be achieved through the use ofcombination therapy which, in turn, permits use of a lower dose of theantibody to achieve the desired therapeutic effect).

It should be understood that the antibodies of the invention or antigenbinding portion thereof can be used alone or in combination with anadditional agent, e.g., a therapeutic agent, said additional agent beingselected by the skilled artisan for its intended purpose. For example,the additional agent can be a therapeutic agent art-recognized as beinguseful to treat the disease or condition being treated by the antibodyof the present invention. The additional agent also can be an agentwhich imparts a beneficial attribute to the therapeutic composition,e.g., an agent which effects the viscosity of the composition.

It should further be understood that the combinations which are to beincluded within this invention are those combinations useful for theirintended purpose. The agents set forth below are illustrative and notintended to be limited. The combinations which are part of thisinvention can be the antibodies of the present invention and at leastone additional agent selected from the lists below. The combination canalso include more than one additional agent, e.g., two or threeadditional agents if the combination is such that the formed compositioncan perform its intended function.

Some combinations are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug(s) alsoreferred to as NSAIDS which include drugs like ibuprofen. Othercombinations are corticosteroids including prednisolone; the well knownside-effects of steroid use can be reduced or even eliminated bytapering the steroid dose required when treating patients in combinationwith the antibodies of this invention. Non-limiting examples oftherapeutic agents for rheumatoid arthritis with which an antibody, orantibody portion, of the invention can be combined to include thefollowing: cytokine suppressive anti-inflammatory drug(s) (CSAIDs);antibodies to or antagonists of other human cytokines or growth factors,for example, TNF, LT, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-15, IL-16, IL-18,EMAP-II, GM-CSF, FGF, and PDGF. Antibodies of the invention, or antigenbinding portions thereof, can be combined with antibodies to cellsurface molecules such as CD2, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25, CD28, CD30, CD40,CD45, CD69, CD80 (B7.1), CD86 (B7.2), CD90, or their ligands includingCD 154 (gp39 or CD40L).

Some combinations of therapeutic agents may interfere at differentpoints in the autoimmune and subsequent inflammatory cascade; examplesinclude TNF antagonists like chimeric, humanized or human TNFantibodies, D2E7, (U.S. application Ser. No. 08/599,226 filed Feb. 9,1996, the entire teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference),cA2 (Remicade™), CDP 571, anti-TNF antibody fragments (e.g., CDP870),and soluble p55 or p75 TNF receptors, derivatives thereof, (p75TNFRIgG(Enbrel™) or p55TNFRIgG (Lenercept), soluble IL-13 receptor (sIL-13),and also TNFα converting enzyme (TACE) inhibitors; similarly IL-1inhibitors (e.g., Interleukin-1-converting enzyme inhibitors, such asVx740, or IL-1RA, etc.) may be effective for the same reason. Othercombinations include Interleukin 11, anti-P7s and p-selectinglycoprotein ligand (PSGL). Yet other combinations involve other keyplayers of the autoimmune response which may act parallel to, dependenton or in concert with IL-13 function. Yet another combination includesnon-depleting anti-CD4 inhibitors. Yet other combinations includeantagonists of the co-stimulatory pathway CD80 (B7.1) or CD86 (B7.2)including antibodies, soluble receptors or antagonistic ligands.

The antibodies of the invention, or antigen binding portions thereof,may also be combined with agents, such as methotrexate, 6-MP,azathioprine sulphasalazine, mesalazine, olsalazinechloroquinine!hydroxychloroquine, pencillamine, aurothiomalate(intramuscular and oral), azathioprine, cochicine, corticosteroids(oral, inhaled and local injection), β-2 adrenoreceptor agonists(salbutamol, terbutaline, salmeteral), xanthines (theophylline,aminophylline), cromoglycate, nedocromil, ketotifen, ipratropium andoxitropium, cyclosporin, FK506, rapamycin, mycophenolate mofetil,leflunomide, NSAIDs, for example, ibuprofen, corticosteroids such asprednisolone, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, adensosine agonists,antithrombotic agents, complement inhibitors, adrenergic agents, agentswhich interfere with signalling by proinflammatory cytokines such asTNFα or IL-1 (e.g., IRAK, NIK, IKK, p38 or MAP kinase inhibitors), IL-1βconverting enzyme inhibitors (e.g., V×740), anti-P7s, p-selectinglycoprotein ligand (PSGL), TNFα converting enzyme (TACE) inhibitors,T-cell signaling inhibitors such as kinase inhibitors, metalloproteinaseinhibitors, sulfasalazine, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurines, angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitors, soluble cytokine receptors and derivativesthereof (e.g., soluble p55 or p75 TNF receptors and the derivativesp75TNFRIgG (Enbrel™) and p55TNFRIgG (Lenercept), sIL-1 RI, sIL-1RII,sIL-6R, soluble IL-13 receptor (sIL-13)) and anti-inflammatory cytokines(e.g., IL-4, IL-10, IL-11, IL-13 and TGFα). Some combinations includemethotrexate or leflunomide and in moderate or severe rheumatoidarthritis cases, cyclosporine.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may include a“therapeutically effective amount” or a “prophylactically effectiveamount” of an antibody or antibody portion of the invention. A“therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount effective, atdosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desiredtherapeutic result. A therapeutically effective amount of the antibodyor antibody portion may vary according to factors such as the diseasestate, age, sex, and weight of the individual, and the ability of theantibody or antibody portion to elicit a desired response in theindividual. A therapeutically effective amount is also one in which anytoxic or detrimental effects of the antibody or antibody portion areoutweighed by the therapeutically beneficial effects. A“prophylactically effective amount” refers to an amount effective, atdosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desiredprophylactic result. Typically, since a prophylactic dose is used insubjects prior to or at an earlier stage of disease, theprophylactically effective amount will be less than the therapeuticallyeffective amount.

Dosage regimens may be adjusted to provide the optimum desired response(e.g., a therapeutic or prophylactic response). For example, a singlebolus may be administered, several divided doses may be administeredover time or the dose may be proportionally reduced or increased asindicated by the exigencies of the therapeutic situation. In certainembodiments it is especially advantageous to formulate parenteralcompositions in dosage unit form for ease of administration anduniformity of dosage. Dosage unit form as used herein refers tophysically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the mammaliansubjects to be treated; each unit comprising a predetermined quantity ofactive compound calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect inassociation with the required pharmaceutical carrier. The specificationfor the dosage unit forms of the invention are dictated by and directlydependent on (a) the unique characteristics of the active compound andthe particular therapeutic or prophylactic effect to be achieved, and(b) the limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an activecompound for the treatment of sensitivity in individuals.

An exemplary, non-limiting range for a therapeutically orprophylactically effective amount of an antibody or antibody portion ofthe invention is 0.01-20 mg/kg, or 1-10 mg/kg, or 0.3-1 mg/kg. It is tobe noted that dosage values may vary with the type and severity of thecondition to be alleviated. It is to be further understood that for anyparticular subject, specific dosage regimens should be adjusted overtime according to the individual need and the professional judgment ofthe person administering or supervising the administration of thecompositions, and that dosage ranges set forth herein are exemplary onlyand are not intended to limit the scope or practice of the claimedcomposition.

8. Uses of the Antibodies of the Invention

8.1 Uses of Anti-IL-13 Antibody Generally

Given their ability to bind to IL-13, the anti-IL-13 antibodies, orantigen-binding portions thereof, of the invention can be used to detectIL-13, in one aspect, hIL-13 (e.g., in a sample matrix, in one aspect, abiological sample, such as serum or plasma), using a conventionalimmunoassay, such as an enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), anradioimmunoassay (RIA) or tissue immunohistochemistry. The inventionprovides a method for detecting IL-13 in a biological sample comprisingcontacting a sample with an antibody, or antibody portion, of theinvention and detecting either the antibody bound to IL-13 or unboundantibody, to thereby detect IL-13 in the sample. The antibody isdirectly or indirectly labeled with a detectable substance to facilitatedetection of the bound or unbound antibody. Suitable detectablesubstances include various enzymes, prosthetic groups, fluorescentmaterials, luminescent materials and radioactive materials. Examples ofsuitable enzymes include horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase,β-galactosidase, or acetylcholinesterase; examples of suitableprosthetic group complexes include streptavidin/biotin andavidin/biotin; examples of suitable fluorescent materials includeumbelliferone, fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine,dichlorotriazinylamine fluorescein, dansyl chloride or phycoerythrin; anexample of a luminescent material includes luminol; and examples ofsuitable radioactive material include ¹²⁵I, ¹³¹I, ³⁵S, or ³H. Detectionof IL-13 in a sample may be useful in a diagnostic context, for examplein the diagnosis of a condition associated with increased IL-13, and/ormay be useful in identifying a subject who may benefit from treatmentwith an anti-IL-13 antibody.

As an alternative to detection assays involving labled anti-IL-13antibody, IL-13 can be detected in a sample by a competition immunoassayutilizing, e.g., rhIL-13 standards labeled with a detectable substanceand an unlabeled anti-IL-13 antibody, such as an anti-hIL-13 antibody.In this assay, the sample, the labeled rhIL-13 standards, and theanti-hIL-13 antibody are combined and the amount of labeled rhIL-13standard bound to the unlabeled antibody is determined. The amount ofhIL-13 in the sample is inversely proportional to the amount of labeledrhIL-13 standard bound to the anti-hIL-13 antibody.

The antibodies and antibody portions of the invention are capable ofneutralizing IL-13 activity in vitro and in vivo, in one aspect, ahIL-13 activity. Accordingly, the antibodies and antibody portions ofthe invention can be used to inhibit IL-13 activity, e.g., in a cellculture containing IL-13, in human subjects or in other mammaliansubjects having IL-13 with which an antibody of the inventioncross-reacts (e.g., primates such as baboon, cynomolgus and rhesus). Ina one aspect, the invention provides an isolated human antibody, orantigen-binding portion thereof, that neutralizes the activity of humanIL-13, and at least one additional primate IL-13 selected from the groupconsisting of baboon IL-13, marmoset IL-13, chimpanzee IL-13, cynomolgusIL-13 and rhesus IL-13, but which does not neutralize the activity ofthe mouse IL-13. In one aspect, the IL-13 is human IL-13. For example,in a cell culture containing, or suspected of containing hIL-13, anantibody or antibody portion of the invention can be added to theculture medium to inhibit hIL-13 activity in the culture.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for inhibiting IL-13activity in a subject suffering from a disorder in which IL-13 activityis detrimental. As used herein, the phrase “a disorder in which IL-13activity is detrimental” is intended to include diseases and otherdisorders in which the presence of IL-13 in a subject suffering from thedisorder has been shown to be or is suspected of being eitherresponsible for the pathophysiology of the disorder or a factor thatcontributes to a worsening of the disorder. Accordingly, a disorder inwhich IL-13 activity is detrimental is a disorder in which inhibition ofIL-13 activity is expected to alleviate the symptoms and/or progressionof the disorder. Such disorders may be evidenced, e.g., by an increasein the concentration of IL-13 in a biological fluid of a subjectsuffering from the disorder (e.g., an increase in the concentration ofIL-13 in serum, plasma, synovial fluid, etc. of the subject), which canbe detected, e.g., using an anti-IL-13 antibody as described above. Inone aspect, the antibodies or antigen binding portions thereof, can beused in therapy to treat the diseases or disorders described herein. Inanother aspect, the antibodies or antigen binding portions thereof, canbe used for the manufacture of a medicine for treating the diseases ordisorders described herein. There are numerous examples of disorders inwhich IL-13 activity is detrimental. For example, IL-13 plays a criticalrole in the pathology associated with a variety of diseases involvingimmune and inflammatory elements, including, but not limited to,respitory disorders, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonarydisease. Additional IL-13 related disorders include, but are not limitedto: atopic disorders (e.g., atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis);inflammatory and/or autoimmune conditions of, the skin, gastrointestinalorgans (e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerativecolitis and/or Crohn's disease), and liver (e.g., cirrhosis, fibrosis);scleroderma; tumors or cancers, e.g., Hodgkin's lymphoma

Accordingly, anti-IL-13 antibodies or antigen-binding portions thereof,or vectors expressing same in vivo are indicated for the treatment ofdiseases, such as asthma or other inflammatory and/or autoimmuneconditions in which there is an aberrant expression of IL-13, leading toan excess of IL-13 or in cases of complications due to exogenouslyadministered IL-13.

8.2 Use Anti-IL-13 Antibody in Respiratory Disorders

In certain embodiments of the present invention an anti-IL-13 antibody,or antigen binding portion thereof, is employed in the treatment of oneor more IL-13-associated disorders, including, but not limited to,respiratory disorders (e.g., asthma (e.g., allergic and nonallergicasthma (e.g., asthma due to infection with, e.g., respiratory syncytialvirus (RSV), e.g., in younger children)), chronic obstructive pulmonarydisease (COPD), and other conditions involving airway inflammation,eosinophilia, fibrosis and excess mucus production, e.g., cysticfibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis.

In certain embodiments, this application provides methods of treating(e.g., reducing, ameliorating) or preventing one or more symptomsassociated with a respiratory disorder, e.g., asthma (e.g., allergic andnonallergic asthma); allergies; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD); a condition involving airway inflammation, eosinophilia,fibrosis and excess mucus production, e.g., cystic fibrosis andpulmonary fibrosis. For example, symptoms of asthma include, but are notlimited to, wheezing, shortness of breath, bronchoconstriction, airwayhyperreactivity, decreased lung capacity, fibrosis, airway inflammation,and mucus production. The method comprises administering to the subjectan IL-13 antibody, or a fragment thereof, in an amount sufficient totreat (e.g., reduce, ameliorate) or prevent one or more symptoms. TheIL-13 antibody can be administered therapeutically or prophylactically,or both. The IL-13 antagonist, e.g., the anti-IL-13 antibody, orfragment thereof, can be administered to the subject, alone or incombination with other therapeutic modalities as described herein. Incertain embodiments, the subject is a mammal, e.g., a human sufferingfrom an IL-13-associated disorder as described herein.

As noted above, IL-13 has been implicated as having a pivotal role incausing pathological responses associated with asthma. However othermediators of differential immunological pathways are also involved inasthma pathogenesis, and blocking these mediators, in addition to IL-13,may offer additional therapeutic benefit. Thus, binding proteins of theinvention may be incorporated into bispecific antibody where in thebispecific antibody is capable of binding target pairs including, butnot limited to, IL-13 and a pro-inflammatory cytokine, such as tumornecrosis factor-α (TNF-α). TNF-α may amplify the inflammatory responsein asthma and may be linked to disease severity (McDonnell et al.,Progress in Respiratory Research (2001), 31(New Drugs for Asthma,Allergy and COPD), 247-250.). This suggests that blocking both IL-13 andTNF-α may have beneficial effects, particularly in severe airwaydisease. In a non-limiting embodiment, the bispecfic antibody of theinvention binds the targets IL-13 and TNF-α and is used for treatingasthma.

In another embodiment binding proteins of the invention can be used togenerate bispecific antibody molecules that bind IL-13 and IL-1beta,IL-13 and IL-9; IL-13 and IL-4; IL-13 and IL-5; IL-13 and DL-25; IL-13and TARC; EL-13 and MDC; IL-13 and M1F; IL-13 and TGF-β; EL-13 and LHRagonist; DL-13 and CL25; IL-13 and SPRR2a; EL-13 and SPRR2b; and DL-13and ADAMS. The present invention also provides bispecific antibodiescapable of binding IL-13 and one or more targets involved in asthmaselected from the group consisting of CSF1(MCSF), CSF2 (GM-CSF), CSF3(GCSF), FGF2, IFNA1, IFNB1; IFNG, histamine and histamine receptors,EL1A, DL1B, BL2, IL3, EL4, IL5, IL6, IL7, IL8, IL9, IL1O, ELI1, IL12A,IL12B, IL14, IL15, IL16, IL17, IL18, EL19, IL-20, IL-21, IL-22, EL-23,EL-24, EL-25, IL-26, IL-27, EL-28, IL-30, EL-31, EL-32, IL-33, KtTLG,PDGFB, IL2RA, EL4R, IL5RA, IL8RA, DL8RB, IL12RB1, IL12RB2, EL13RA1,IL13RA2, IL18R1, TSLP, CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL7, CCL8, CCL13,CCL17, CCL18, CCL19, CCL20, CCL22, CCL24,CX3CL1, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3,XCL1, CCR2, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CX3CR1, GPR2, XCR1, FOS,GATA3, JAK1, JAK3, STATE, TBX21, TGFB1, TNFSF6, YY1, CYSLTR1, FCER1A,FCER2, LTB4R, TB4R2, LTBR, and Chitinase.

EXAMPLES

1. The Production of Anti-IL-13 Antibody

A production batch of drug substance is a solution of ABT-308 monoclonalantibody obtained from the seed train, production, primary recovery andcapture, and fine purification of the drug substance derived from asingle cycle of the production reactor.

1.1 Media Preparation

Solutions are prepared in accordance with GMP Solution Records withpurified water that meets USP/EP/JP standards. The formulated mediasolution is 0.1 gm filtered into the appropriately sized pre-sterilizedcontainer, bag or bioreactor. The 0.1 μm filter is integrity testedafter use. The compositions of growth and production media are given inTable 2.

TABLE 2 Cell Culture Media Composition Growth Growth Production MediumMedium Medium Raw Material SR-512 SR-520 SR-521 PFCHO (A)-S1 − + + PFCHOPart A (modified) with + − − glutamine, without NaHCO₃ PFCHO PartB + + + (ferric citrate stock solution) Recombinant human insulin + + +Dextrose, anhydrous − + + L-glutamine + + + L-asparagine monohydrate − +− Sodium bicarbonate + + + HEPES, free acid − + + NaCl − + + PluronicF-68 (Poloxamer 188, NF) − + + NaH₂PO₄•H₂O − + + Na₂HPO₄•7H₂O − + +Bacto TC Yeastolate + + + Phytone Peptone − + + Methotrexate + + + 2NNaOH − + + 2N HCl − + +

1.2 Inoculum Expansion

Spinner flask and Biowave bag operations serve to expand the CHO cellsfrom a single frozen vial of MCB to the desired biomass for theinoculation of a 110 L seed bioreactor. A frozen vial of Master CellBank is thawed and placed in growth medium (SR-512) and centrifuged. Thecells are re-suspended in growth medium and expanded at 37° C. and 5%CO₂ in disposable spinner flasks or Biowave bags of increasing volume.Duplicate 20 L wave bags are used to maximize the final cell massexpansion prior to inoculation into the seed bioreactor. When the celldensity reaches ≧2.0×10⁶ viable cells/mL from both 20 L wave bags atapproximately 15-17 days, the culture is transferred into a 110 L seedbioreactor charged with growth medium SR-520 for further expansion.After inoculation, the target temperature is 37° C., and the pH is setat a target of 7.1 and controlled by addition of NaOH and CO₂ sparging.Dissolved oxygen (DO) in the bioreactor is controlled at target value of40% by sparging with air and oxygen. Once the cell density reaches≧2.6×10⁶ viable cells/mL after approximately 2-4 days, the culture istransferred into a 3000 L production bioreactor.

1.3 Short-fill Bioreactor

A partial fill of the 3000 L production bioreactor is used to furtherexpand the cell culture. Initially, the reactor is charged with growthmedium (SR-520) and inoculated with the batch from the 110 L seedbioreactor.

During this short-fill stage, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH arecontrolled at 37° C., 40%, and 7.1, respectively. The culture pH iscontrolled with CO₂ sparging and NaOH addition. Typically, the cellsgrow for 2-4 days before reaching the required density of ≧1.6×10⁶viable cells/mL.

1.4 Production Bioreactor

Production medium SR-521 (1950 L) is added to the cell culture in the3000 L bioreactor to initiate the production stage. Antifoam C is addedto decrease foaming. The culture pH is controlled at a target value of6.9 with on-off CO₂ sparging and NaOH addition. Temperature anddissolved oxygen are controlled at target values of 35° C. and 40%,respectively. The DO in the bioreactor is initially controlled at thedesired value by air sparging and supplemented with pure oxygen ifneeded. The temperature is lowered to a target value of 33° C. when theviable cell density reaches ≧3.0×10⁶ cells/mL, and the pH and DO aremaintained at target values of 6.9 and 40%, respectively. Glucose(SR-334) is added as needed. Cultures are harvested when the cellviability drops to ≦50%.

1.5 Process Performance

The process performance and in-process test results are is given inTable 3 and Table 4, respectively.

TABLE 3 Cell Culture Process Performance for ABT-308 Manufacturing BatchNo. Seed Train Action Limit 55173BI 55176BI 57199BI Viability attransfer to ≧80 96 98 96 seed bioreactor (%) Viable cell density at ≧2.02.2 2.8 3.0 transfer to seed bioreactor (×10⁶/mL) Seed and ProductionBioreactor 55448BI 57128BI 58067BI Viable cell density at ≧2.6 3.0 3.13.8 transfer to short fill (×10⁶/mL) Viable cell density at ≧1.6 1.7 2.12.1 end of shortfill (×10⁶/mL) Viable cell density at ≧3.0 3.5 3.2 3.2temperature shift (×10⁶/mL) Viability at Harvest ≦50 45 25 40 (%)Harvest ABT-308 Report Value 1.10 1.08 1.08 titer (g/L)

TABLE 4 Cell Culture Process In-Process Test Results Batch No. SeedTrain Action Limit 55173BI 55176BI 57199BI Contamination No Growth PassPass Pass check Seed Bioreactor 55448BI 57128BI 58067BI Contamination NoGrowth Pass Pass Pass check Production Bioreactor 55448BI 57128BI58067BI Endotoxin (EU/mL) ≦5 <1 <1 <1 TEM (virus-like ≦10⁸ Pass PassPass particles/mL) Mycoplasma Negative^(a) Pass Pass Pass Adventitiousvirus No evidence Pass Pass Pass of viral contamination^(a) Q-PCR forMVM Negative^(a) Pass Pass Pass Contamination No Growth^(a) Pass PassPass check ^(a)Specification

2. The Isolation and Purification of Anti-IL-13 Antibody

Primary recovery and capture operations include clarification of theharvest by filtration, capture of the antibody by Protein A affinitychromatography, and low pH viral inactivation followed by depthfiltration. Fine purification operations include anion exchangechromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, viralfiltration, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, and final filtration,bottling and freezing.

2.1 Preparation of Solutions

Solutions are prepared in accordance with GMP Solution Records with USPpurified water (USP-PW) or water for injection (WFI). Most solutions are0.2 μm filtered into irradiated bags, autoclaved or steamed-in-placecontainers.

2.2 Primary Recovery and Clarification

The purpose of primary recovery by filtration is to remove cells andcell debris from the production bioreactor harvest. The unprocessedharvest is passed through a filter train consisting of depth filters,delipid depth filters and membrane filters. The clarified supernatant iscollected in the harvest tank and held at 2-8° C. In-process controlsfor the clarified harvest include ABT-308 concentration by Poros Achromatography, bioburden and endotoxin testing.

2.3 Protein A Affinity Chromatography

The objective of Protein A affinity chromatography is to capture ABT-308from the clarified harvest and to reduce process-related impurities.Three chromatography cycles are typically performed to process theentire harvest. The product pools from the three cycles are combined forfurther processing.

A 45 cm diameter×22 cm length column (35 L) is packed with MabSelect®Protein A resin (GE Healthcare) or ProSep Ultra Plus™ (Millipore) andqualified for use. The storage buffer is removed from the column by USPpurified water (USP-PW) followed by 0.2 M acetic acid and finally byrinsing with USP PW. The column is equilibrated with 25 mM Tris, 100 mMNaCl, pH 7.2, then loaded with clarified harvest to a maximum of 32 gprotein/L resin for the MabSelect® Protein A resin (GE Healthcare) or 45g protein/L resin for the ProSep Ultra Plus™ (Millipore) resin. Thecolumn is washed with 25 mM Tris, 100 mM NaCl, pH 7.2, then with 20 mMsodium citrate, 0.5 M NaCl, pH 6.0, and finally washed again with 25 mMTris, 100 mM NaCl, pH 7.2. The antibody is eluted from the column with0.1 M acetic acid, pH 3.5. After each cycle the pH of the eluate pool isadjusted to a target of 4.1, if required. In-process controls includedetermination of the protein concentration by A₂₈₀, SE-HPLC, bioburdenand endotoxin testing.

After the first cycle the column is regenerated with 0.2 M acetic acidand rinsed with USP-PW. After the second cycle the column is regeneratedwith 0.2 M acetic acid, rinsed with USP-PW, then sanitized with 0.1 Macetic acid, 20% ethanol followed by washing and short-term storage in50 mM sodium acetate, 20% ethanol, pH 5. Following the third cycle, thecolumn is regenerated with 0.2 M acetic acid and rinsed with USP-PW. Itis then cleaned with 0.4 M acetic acid, 0.5 M NaCl, 0.1% Tween 80,followed by USP-PW, followed by 50 mM NaOH 1.0 M NaCl, then USP-PW.Finally it is sanitized with 0.1 M acetic acid, 20% ethanol followed bywashing and storage in 50 mM acetic acid, 20% ethanol, pH 5.0.

2.4 Low pH Incubation and Filtration

The low pH incubation is a dedicated viral reduction step providingadditional assurance of viral safety by inactivation of envelopedadventitious viruses that might be present in the Protein A eluate. Thepurpose of filtration after the low pH incubation is to remove anyprecipitates that may form during the low pH treatment.

The pH of the combined Protein A chromatography eluates is adjusted to atarget value of 3.5 with 0.5 M phosphoric acid and held at 18-25° C. for60-70 minutes. The mixture is then adjusted to pH 5 with 1 M Tris, pH10, clarified by a combination of depth filters and membrane filters,then cooled to 10-14° C. In-process controls for the low pH treatmentand filtration step include determination of the protein concentrationby A₂₈₀, SE-HPLC, bioburden and endotoxin testing.

2.5 Primary Recovery and Capture Process Performance

The process performance for the primary recovery and capture operationsis given in Table 5, and the results of the in-process controls aregiven in Table 6.

TABLE 5 Primary Recovery and Capture Process Performance Unit OperationYield (%) Lot 56136BI 57058BI 58207BI Harvest Clarification  80 81 87Protein A Chromatography 103 109 99 Low pH Incubation and  79^(b) 91 97Q Sepharose ™ Load Preparation^(a) ^(a)Yield combined due to samplingerror after low pH inactivation. ^(b)The depth filter area wasthree-fold greater in lot 56136BI than in lots 57058BI and 58207BI. Thelarger filter area in lot 56136BI resulted in the decreased yield.

TABLE 6 Primary Recovery and Capture Process In-Process Test ResultsIn-Process Unit Operation Test^(a) Action Limit 56136BI 57058BI 58207BIHarvest Clarification Bioburden ≦15.0 CFU/mL NA^(b) 0.0 0.6 Endotoxin ≦5EU/mL NA^(b) <1 <1 Protein A SE-HPLC ≧90.0% 97.4 96.6 96.5Chromatography Bioburden ≦15.0 CFU/mL 0.0 0.0 0.0 Endotoxin ≦5 EU/mL <1<1 <1 Low pH Incubation SE-HPLC ≧90.0% 98.4 97.9 98.0 Bioburden ≦15.0CFU/mL 0.0 0.0 0.0 Endotoxin ≦5 EU/mL <1 <1 <1 ^(a)Bioburden andendotoxin samples taken at the start of the next unit operation.^(b)Sample not taken.

2.6 Strong Anion Exchange Chromatography

The purpose of the strong anion exchange chromatography step is toreduce process-related impurities such as host cell proteins, DNA andendotoxins. It can also serve as a viral clearance step. In certainembodiments a Q Sepharose™ FF resin column is operated in theflow-through mode in which the antibody flows through the column and theimpurities remain bound to the resin, in alternative embodiments, aMustang Q™ membrane (Pall Corp.) is employed in place of the QSepharose™ FF resin column. The operations are performed at 10-14° C.

A 45 cm diameter×22 cm length column (35 L) is packed with Q Sepharose™FF resin (GE Healthcare) and qualified for use. The column isequilibrated with 25 mM Tris, 50 mM NaCl, pH 8.0. The pH of theneutralized and filtered inactivation solution is adjusted to 8.0 with 1M Tris, pH 10, the conductivity is adjusted to 5.0-6.5, and the solutionis filtered through a delipid and membrane filters. The Q Sepharose™load is pumped through the column at a maximum load of 80 g protein/Lresin. After loading, the column is washed with 25 mM Tris, 50 mM NaCl,pH 8.0 and the flow-through and wash are combined. This is the QSepharose™ flow-through and wash (QFTW) pool. In-process controls forthe Q Sepharose™ step include concentration by A₂₈₀, SE-HPLC, bioburdenand endotoxin testing.

The column is regenerated with 25 mM sodium phosphate, 1.0 M NaCl, pH7.0, followed by a rinse with WFI, and sanitized with 1.0 M NaOHfollowed by a rinse with WFI. The column is then neutralized with 25 mMsodium phosphate, 1.0 M NaCl, pH 7.0 and stored in 25 mM sodiumphosphate, 20% isopropanol, pH 7.0.

2.7 Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography

The purpose of the Phenyl Sepharose™ step is the removal of ABT-308aggregates, fragments and process-related impurities. The operations areperformed at 10-14° C.

A 60 cm diameter×15 cm length column (42 L) is packed with PhenylSepharose™ HP resin (GE Healthcare) and qualified for use. The column isequilibrated with WFI then 20 mM sodium phosphate, 1.1 M ammoniumsulfate, pH 7.0.

The Q Sepharose™ flow through and wash is diluted 1:1 (v/v) with 40 mMsodium phosphate, 2.2 M ammonium sulfate, pH 7.0. This solution, thePhenyl Sepharose™ load, is filtered through a 0.2 μm filter and loadedonto the column at a maximum load of 64 g protein/L resin. The column iswashed with 25 mM sodium phosphate, 1.4 M ammonium sulfate, pH 7.0 andthe ABT-308 is eluted from the column with 11 mM sodium phosphate, 0.625M ammonium sulfate, pH 7.0. In-process controls for the PhenylSepharose™ step include concentration by A₂₈₀, SE-HPLC, bioburden andendotoxin testing.

The column is regenerated with WFI, then sanitized with 1 M NaOH, rinsedwith WFI, and stored in 25 mM sodium phosphate, 20% isopropanol, pH 7.

2.8 Nanofiltration

Nanofiltration is a dedicated viral clearance step that providesadditional assurance of viral safety by the physical removal ofadventitious viruses 20 nm in diameter that might be present in thePhenyl Sepharose™ HP column eluate. The operations are performed at10-14° C.

The Phenyl Sepharose™ HP column eluate is passed through a 0.1 μm filterand an Ultipor DV20 filter train pre-wetted with 15 mM histidine, pH5.6. After filtration, the filter train is flushed with 15 mM histidine,pH 5.6, to recover any retained ABT-308. After use, an integrity test isperformed on the DV20 filter and the filter is discarded. If the filterdoes not pass the integrity test, the solution may be refiltered asdescribed above. In-process controls for the nanofiltration step includeprotein concentration by A₂₈₀, SE-HPLC, bioburden and endotoxin testing.

2.9 Formulation of ABT-308 Drug Substance byUltrafiltration/Diafiltration

The purpose of the UF/DF step is the diafiltration of the drug substanceinto the final formulation buffer, 15 mM histidine, pH 5.6, andconcentration of ABT-308. These operations are performed at 10-14° C.

The nanofiltrate is concentrated to approximately 50 g/L using 30 kDaMWCO polyether sulfone membranes, diafiltered with formulation bufferthen concentrated to approximately 180 g/L. The UF system is drained ofproduct and rinsed with diafiltration buffer to recover any productremaining in the system. The concentrate and wash are combined toproduce the diafiltered ABT-308 at a concentration of approximately120-160 g/L. The concentrated ABT-308 is filtered through membranefilters. In-process controls for the ultrafiltration/diafiltration stepinclude concentration by A₂₈₀, SE-HPLC, bioburden and endotoxin testing.

After each run, the ultrafiltration system is flushed with WFI andcleaned with a 250 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution, then sanitized andstored in 0.1 M sodium hydroxide.

2.10 Final Filtration, Bottling and Freezing

Filtration and bottling operations are performed in a Class 100 area at2-8° C. in a Class 100 Laminar Flow Hood. The formulated ABT-308 isfiltered through a 0.2 μm filter into pre-sterilized, pyrogen-free PETGbottles. The labeled bottles are put into an empty −80° C. (nominal)freezer until frozen and then transferred to storage freezers maintainedat −80° C. (nominal). In-process controls for the final filtration andbottling step include A₂₈₀, bioburden and endotoxin testing (drugsubstance test results).

2.11 Fine Purification Process Performance

The process performance for the primary recovery and capture operationsis given in Table 7, and the results of the in-process controls aregiven in Table 8.

TABLE 7 Fine Purification Process Performance Unit Operation Yield (%)Lot 56003BF 57001BF 57002BF Anion Exchange Chromatography 96 95 93Hydrophobic Interaction 97 92 94 Chromatography Nanofiltration 98 98 96Ultrafiltration/Diafiltration 91 94 89 Final Filtration, Filling andFreezing 93 97 100 Overall yield, Capture and 50 63 63 Fine Purification

TABLE 8 Fine Purification In-Process Test Results In-Process UnitOperation Test^(a) Action Limit 56003BF 57001BF 57002BF Anion ExchangeSE-HPLC ≧90.0% 99.1 98.5 98.4 Chromatography Bioburden ≦15.0 CFU/mL  0.0 0.1  0.0 Endotoxin ≦5 EU/mL <1 <1 <1 Hydrophobic Interaction SE-HPLC≧90.0% 99.8 99.7 99.7 Chromatography Bioburden ≦15.0 CFU/mL  0.0  0.0 0.0 Endotoxin ≦5 EU/mL <1 <1 <1 Nanofiltration SE-HPLC ≧90.0% 99.8 99.799.7 Bioburden ≦15.0 CFU/mL  0.0  0.0  0.0 Endotoxin ≦5 EU/mL <1 <1 <1Ultrafiltration/Diafiltration SE-HPLC ≧90.0% 99.7 99.6 99.6 Bioburden≦15.0 CFU/mL  0.0  0.0  0.0 Endotoxin ≦5 EU/mL  6^(b) <1 <1 FinalFiltration, Filling and Bioburden ≦1 CFU/mL^(c)  0^(d)  0^(d)  0^(d)Freezing Endotoxin ≦0.2 EU/mg^(c) ≦0.1^(d) ≦0.1^(d) ≦0.1^(d)^(a)Bioburden and endotoxin samples taken at the start of the next unitoperation. ^(b)The endotoxin result of 6 EU/mL is not consideredsignificant because the subsequent drug substance met the specificationof ≦0.2 EU/mg. In addition, lot 56003BF was an engineering run and notreleased for human use. ^(c)Drug substance release specification.^(d)Drug substance release result.

3. Determination of Host Cell Protein Concentration in AntibodyCompositions

This procedure describes the testing methodology for the determinationof residual Host Cell Protein concentration in antibody samples. EnzymeLinked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is used to sandwich the Host CellProtein (Antigens) between two layers of specific antibodies. This isfollowed by the blocking of non-specific sites with Casein. The HostCell Proteins are then incubated during which time the antigen moleculesare captured by the first antibody (Coating Antibody). A second antibody(anti-Host Cell Protein Biotinylated) is then added which fixes to theantigen (Host Cell Proteins). Neutravidin HRP-conjugated is added whichbinds to the Biotinylated anti-Host Cell Protein. This is followed bythe addition of K blue substrate. The chromogenic substrate ishydrolyzed by the bound enzyme conjugated antibody, producing a bluecolor. Reaction is stopped with 2M H₃PO₄, changing color to yellow.Color intensity is directly proportional to the amount of antigen boundin the well.

Preparation of 50 mM Sodium Bicarbonate (Coating Buffer), pH 9.4. To a 1L beaker add: 900 mL Milli-Q water; 4.20 g±0.01 g Sodium Bicarbonate.Stir until completely dissolved. Adjust pH to 9.4 with 1 N NaOH.Transfer to a 1 L volumetric flask and bring to volume with Milli-Qwater. Mix by inversion until homogeneous. Filter through a 0.22 μmsterile filter unit. Store at nominal 4° C. for up to 7 days from thedate of preparation.

Preparation of 0.104 M Na₂HPO₄*7H₂O, 1.37 M NaCl, 0.027 M KCl, 0.0176 MKH₂PO₄, pH=6.8-6.9 (10×PBS). Add approximately 400 mL of Milli-Q waterto a glass beaker. Add 13.94 g±0.01 g of Na₂HPO₄×7H₂O. Add 40.0 g±0.1 gof NaCl. Add 1.00 g 0.01 g of KCl. Add 1.20 g±0.01 g of KH₂PO₄. Stiruntil homogeneous. Transfer to a 500 mL volumetric flask. QS to 500 mLvolume with Milli-Q water. Mix by inversion. Filter through a 0.2 μmsterile filter unit. Store at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Preparation of 1×PBS+0.1% Triton X-100, pH 7.40: (Plate Wash Buffer). Ina 4 L graduated cylinder, mix 400 mL 10×PBS (step 5.2) with 3500 mLMilli-Q Water. Check pH, and adjust if necessary to 7.40±0.05 with 1 NHCl or 1 N NaOH. Bring to volume with Milli-Q water. Tightly parafilmthe cylinder and mix by inversion until homogeneous. Transfer to a 4 Lbottle. Remove 4 mL of the 1×PBS and discard. Add 4 mL of triton X-100to the 3996 mL of 1×PBS. Place on stir plate and stir to completelydissolve. Filter the amount of plate wash buffer needed for dilutionbuffer preparation through a 0.22 μm sterile filter unit. Store at roomtemperature for up to 7 days.

Preparation of Coating Antibody Mixture: goat anti CHO 599/626/748 (lot# G11201 @ 1.534 mg/mL), affinity purified: NOTE: Stocks stored atnominal−80° C. in vials. Prepare aliquots. Take out one aliquot perplate at time of use. Immediately before use: Dilute antibody mixture tohave a final concentration of 4 μg/mL in cold 50 mM Sodium Bicarbonateas follows. For example: add 31 μLs coating antibody mixture to 11969μLs cold coating buffer. Mix gently by inversion.

Preparation of Biotinylated goat anti Host Cell Protein Mixture,599/626/748 (lot# G11202 @ 0.822 mg/mL): NOTE: Stocks stored at nominal−80° C. in vials. Prepare aliquots. Take out one aliquot per plate attime of use. Immediately before use: dilute biotinylated antibodymixture to have a final concentration of 1 μg/ml in 37° C.±2° C. Caseinas follows. For example: add 14.6 μLs biotinylated antibody mixture to11985 μL 37° C.±2° C. Casein. Mix gently by inversion.

Preparation of Neutravidin-HRP. Reconstitute new lots (2 mg/vial) to 1mg/mL as follows: Add 400 μL of Milli-Q water to the vial, then add 1600μL 1×PBS, for a total of 2 mL. Vortex gently to mix. Store at nominal−20° C. Prepare aliquots with desired volume so that 1 aliqout per plateis used. Prepare in polypropylene tube. Qualify new lots to determineworking concentration. Assign expiry of 6 months from the date ofpreparation. For example, if the working concentration was determined tobe 0.2 μg/mL then prepare as follows. Immediately before use: thaw analiquot of Neutravidin-HRP at room temperature. Dilute the 1 mg/mLNeutravidin solution to 0.1 mg/mL (100 μg/mL) with 37° C.±2° C. Casein.For example: Dilute X10, add 50 μL of neutravidin to 450 μL of Casein.Vortex gently to mix. Further dilute the 100 μg/mL solution to 0.2 μg/mLwith 37° C.±2° C. Casein. For example: Dilute X500, add 24 μLneutravidin (100 μg/mL) to 11976 μL of Casein. Vortex gently to mix.

Preparation of 5.7 2M Phosphoric Acid (Stop Solution). Prepare a 2 MPhosphoric acid solution from concentrated phosphoric acid as follows.From the % phosphoric acid stated on the label, density (1.685 g/mL) andformula weight (98 g/mole), calculate the volume of concentratedphosphoric acid needed to prepare 500 mL of 2M phosphoric acid. Add thevolume of concentrated phosphoric acid calculated above to the flask.Bring to volume with Milli-Q water and mix by inversion untilhomogeneous. Store at ambient temperature for up to 6 months from thedate of preparation.

Preparation of Dilution Buffer (Casein diluted X100 in 1×PBS+0.1% TritonX100, pH 7.4). Dilute 37° C.±2° C. Casein X100 in 0.22 μm sterilefiltered 1×PBS+0.1% Triton X100, pH 7.4 (from above). For example: Add 1mL of 37° C.±2° C. Casein to 99 mL 0.22 μm sterile filtered 1×PBS+0.1%Triton X100, pH 7.4. Mix well. Prepare fresh for each use.

Preparation of Standards. Host cell Protein Standards (AntigenStandards) (lot # G11203 @ 1.218 mg/mL): NOTE: Stocks stored at nominal−80° C. in 70 μL aliquots. Thaw an aliquot at room temperature. Performserial dilutions in polypropylene tubes using Dilution buffer.

Preparation of Samples. In polypropylene tubes, dilute final bulksamples to 24 mg/mL in Dilution Buffer. Record concentration. NOTE: usethe solutions below to prepare spiked samples and to prepare the 12mg/mL solutions referenced below. In polypropylene microtubes, furtherdilute the 24 mg/mL solutions to 12 mg/mL in Dilution Buffer. Loadtriplicate wells for each of the 12 mg/mL solutions on the plate for atotal of 6 wells.

Preparation of Spike. In a polypropylene microtube, prepare a 10 ng/mLHost Cell Protein spike from the 20 ng/mL standard prepared above bydiluting it 2× with Dilution Buffer. Load three wells for the 10 ng/mLspike solution onto the plate. Use the 20 ng/mL standard solution fromstep 6.1 for spiking samples.

Preparation of Spiked Samples. In polypropylene microtubes, spike 300 μLof each 24 mg/mL final bulk solution with 300 μL of the 20 ng/mL spikesolution (6.1). Load triplicate wells for each spiked sample solutionfor a total of 6 wells.

Preparation of Control. A Control Range Must be Set for Every NewControl Stock solution, before use in routine testing. Control Stock:Prepare 150 μL aliquots of a batch of ABT-308 Drug Substance Concentrateand store frozen at nominal −80° C. for up to three years.

Preparation of Working Control. Thaw an Aliquot of Control at Roomtemperature. In polypropylene tubes, dilute control to 24 mg/mL withDilution Buffer. In polypropylene microtubes, further dilute the 24mg/mL control solution with dilution buffer to 12 mg/mL. Prepare asingle dilution and load control into 3 wells of the plate.

ELISA procedures. Fill plate wash bottle with plate wash buffer (referto step 5.3, 1×PBS+0.1% Triton X−100). Prime plate washer. Check thefollowing parameters: Parameters should be set to: Plate Type: 1 Foreach Cycle (a total of 5 cycles): Volume: 400 μls; Soak Time: 10seconds; Asp. Time: 4 seconds.

Assay Procedure. Coat plates with 100 μL/well of 4 μg/mL goat coatingantibody mixture in cold 50 mM Sodium Bicarbonate. Tap the side of theplate until the coating solution covers the bottom of the wellsuniformly, cover with sealing tape and incubate at nominal 4° C. whileshaking on plate shaker (or equivalent) at speed 3 for 18 hours±1 hour.After overnight incubation, remove plate from refrigerator and allow toequilibrate to room temperature. Shake out coating. Blot plate on papertowels. Block with 300 μL/well of 37° C.±2° C. Casein, cover withsealing tape and incubate at 37° C.±2° C. while shaking on Lab-lineEnviron plate shaker (or equivalent) at 80 rpm±5 rpm for 1 hour. Preparestandard, sample, control, spike, and spiked samples during blockingincubation. Wash the plate 5 times with Wash Buffer. Blot plate on papertowels. Using an 8-channel pipette, pipet 100 μL/well of standards,samples, spikes, spiked samples, and control into triplicate wells ofthe plate. Pipette 100 μL/well of Dilution Buffer into all empty wellsof the plate to serve as blanks Cover with sealing tape and incubate at37° C.±2° C. while shaking on Lab-line Environ plate shaker (orequivalent) at 80 rpm±5 rpm for 1 hour. Fill out a template to use as aguide when loading plate.

Plate Reader Set-Up. Set up template, entering concentrations forstandards. Do not enter dilution factors for samples, control, spike, orspiked samples. Assign the wells containing diluent as blanks to besubtracted from all wells. Wash the plate 5 times with Wash Buffer. Blotplate on paper towels. Add 100 μL/well biotinylated goat antibody. Coverwith sealing tape and incubate at 37° C.±2° C. while shaking on Lab-lineEnviron plate shaker (or equivalent) at 80 rpm±5 rpm for 1 hour. Washthe plate 5 times with Wash Buffer. Blot plate on paper towels. Add 100μL/well Neutravidin-HRP conjugate solution. Cover with sealing tape andincubate at 37° C.±2° C. while shaking on Lab-line Environ plate shaker(or equivalent) at 80 rpm±5 rpm for 1 hour. Wash the plate 5 times withWash Buffer. Blot plate on paper towels. Add 100 μL/well cold K-Bluesubstrate, cover with sealing tape and incubate at room temperature for10 minutes (start timer as soon as substrate is added to first row),while shaking speed 3 on Lab-line titer plate shaker (or equivalent).Stop the reaction by adding 100 μL/well 2M Phosphoric Acid (Step 5.7).Place plate on a plate shaker at speed 3 for 3-5 minutes. Read plate at450 nm.

Data Analysis and Calculations. NOTE: only samples, spikes, spikedsamples, and control, with optical densities falling within thepractical quantitation limit (2.5 ng/mL standard) of the standard curveand meeting the % CV or % difference criteria stated below, areaccepted. If sample OD's fall below the 2.5 ng/mL standard, resultshould be reported as less than 2.5 ng/mL. This value should then bedivided by the diluted sample concentration (12 mg/mL) to report valuein ng/mg. If sample is high in host cell concentration causing thenon-spiked and/or the spiked sample to be above standard curve, reportvalue as >100 ng/mL. This value should then be divided by the dilutedsample concentration (12 mg/mL) to report value in ng/mg. Considersample value zero for spike recovery calculations when the sample isbelow the 2.5 ng/mL standard.

Standard Curve. Standard concentrations should be entered into theprotocol template. A quadratic curve fit is used. Coefficient ofdetermination must be =0.99 and the % CV between triplicate wells mustbe =20%. If this criteria is not met: One standard (1 level, 3 wells)may be dropped. If the 1.25 ng/mL is dropped, only samples and spikedsamples with optical densities falling within the 2.5 ng/mL and 100ng/mL (the remaining standard curve points) optical densities areacceptable. Additionally, for the triplicates of each standard level, ifa single well is clearly contaminated or shows low binding, it may bedropped. If a well is dropped from a standard level, the remainingreplicates must have a % difference=20%. The % CV for the loweststandard, which shows OD values close to the background (blanks) of theplate, should be =30%. If one well is dropped, the % difference for theremaining replicates must be =35%. If the lowest standard is dropped,only samples and spiked samples with optical densities falling withinthe remaining standard curve level optical densities are acceptable.

Samples. % CV should be =20% between triplicate wells. Report % CVbetween triplicate wells. One well from each sample dilution may bedropped. The remaining replicates must have a % difference of =20%.Note: if non-spiked sample OD is below the 2.5 ng/mL standard OD the %difference criteria does not apply to the non-spiked results. Refer tocalculation above.

Calculate actual Host Cell Concentration in ng/mg from the mean (ng/mL)value as follows: CHO Host Cell Protein (ng/mg)=Mean “Non-spiked sampleresult (ng/mL)”_Diluted sample concentration (12 mg/mL).

Spikes. % CV should be =20% between triplicate wells. Record % CV. Onewell from the spike may be dropped. The remaining points must have a %difference=20%. Refer to calculation in above. Report host cellconcentration in ng/mL. This result will be used in spike recoverycalculations. The resulting concentration for the spike (ng/mL) must be±20% of the theoretical spike concentration. Record result and indicatePass or Fail. If the spike result is not within 20% of theoretical, theassay must be repeated. Mean Spike Concentration (ng/mL)×100=must be100%±20% 10 ng/mL.

Spiked Samples. % CV should be =20% between triplicate wells. Record %CV between triplicate wells. One well from each spiked sample dilutionmay be dropped. The remaining replicates must have a % difference of=20%. Refer to calculation above. Report “Spiked sample result” for eachdilution in ng/mL. Record % difference between duplicate dilutions. The% difference between dilutions should be =25%. These results will beused in the spike recovery calculations.

Calculate % Spike Recovery for each dilution set using the formulabelow: % Spike Recovery=Spiked sample value−Non-Spiked Sample Value×100Spike Value. NOTE: (1) If non-spiked sample value OD's fall below the2.5 ng/mL standard consider value as zero in % spike recoverycalculation. % Spike recovery must be 100%±50% (50%-150%) for eachdilution for each sample. Record results and Pass/Fail.

Control. % CV should be =20% between triplicate wells. Record % CVresult. One well from the control may be dropped. The remainingreplicates must have a % difference of =20%. Refer to calculation above.Report Host Cell concentration in the control in ng/mL. Calculate HostCell concentration in ng/mg as follows: Host Cell Protein(ng/mg)=Control Host Cell Protein result in ng/mL.

4. Determination of Protein A Concentration in Antibody Compositions

In this ELISA, plates are coated with Chicken Anti-Protein A andincubated. Non-specific sites are blocked with casein in PBS. Plates arewashed in 1×PBS+0.1% Triton X-100 to remove unbound material. Samplesand Cys-rprotein A standards are diluted in 1×PBS+4.1% Triton X+10%Casein. The solutions are denatured by heating at 95° C.±2° C.,separating Protein A from antibody. In certain embodiments, for exampleif (GE Healthcare) the solutions are then added to the plate andincubated. In alternative embodiments, for example, if the Protein Aaffinity step includes the use of ProSep Ultra Plus™ (Milipore), thesolutions are cooled and 0.85% NaC1+12.5% 1 N Acetic Acid+0.1% Tween 20,is added to each tube (1:1) to further aid in the separation of proteinA from the sample protein. The tubes are vigorously vortexed, incubatedand centrifuged. The supernatants are removed and further processed.Unbound material is washed off with 1×PBS+0.1% Triton X-100.Biotinylated Chicken Anti-Protein A is added to the microtiter plate andincubated. The plate is washed to remove unbound material andNeutravidin-Peroxidase conjugate is added.

The Neutravidin will bind to the Biotinylated Chicken Anti-Protein Athat has bound to the wells. The plate is washed again to remove theunbound Neutravidin and K-Blue (tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)) substrate isadded to the plate. The substrate is hydrolyzed by the bound Neutravidinproducing a blue color. The reaction is stopped with Phosphoric Acid,changing color to yellow. The intensity of the yellow color in the wellsis directly proportional to the concentration of Protein A present inthe wells.

Preparation of Reagents and Solutions Casein bottles must be warmed to37° C.±2° C.; sonicated for 2 minutes, and aliquoted. Aliquots are to bestored at nominal 4° C. When assay is to be run, the number of caseinaliquots needed, should be placed at 37° C.±2° C. The coating buffer andsubstrate are used cold (taken from nominal 4° C. right before use).

50 mM Sodium Bicarbonate (Coating Buffer), pH 9.4. To a 1 L beaker add:900 mL Milli-Q water 4.20 g±0.01 g Sodium Bicarbonate. Stir untilcompletely dissolved. Adjust pH to 9.4 with 1 N NaOH. Transfer to a 1 Lvolumetric flask and bring to volume with Milli-Q water. Mix byinversion until homogeneous. Filter through a 0.22 CA μm sterile filterunit. Store at nominal 4° C. for up to 7 days from the date ofpreparation.

104 M Na₂HPO₄*7H2O, 1.37 M NaCl, 0.027 M KCl, 0.0176 M KH₂PO₄,pH=6.8-6.9. (10×PBS): Add approximately 400 mL of Milli-Q water to aglass beaker. Add 13.94 g±0.01 g of Na₂HPO₄×7H₂O. Add 40.0 g±0.1 g ofNaCl. Add 1.00 g±0.01 g of KCl. Add 1.20 g±0.01 g of KH₂PO₄. Stir untilhomogeneous. Transfer to a 500 mL volumetric flask. QS to 500 mL volumewith Milli-Q water. Mix by inversion. Filter through a 0.2 CA μm sterilefilter unit. Store at room temperature for up to 7 days.

1×PBS+0.1% Triton X-100, pH 7.40: (Plate Wash Buffer). In a 4 Lgraduated cylinder, mix 400 mL 10×PBS (see above) with 3500 mL Milli-QWater. Check pH, and adjust if necessary to 7.40±0.05 with 1 N HCl or 1N NaOH. Bring to volume with Milli-Q water. Tightly parafilm thecylinder and mix by inversion until homogeneous. Transfer to a 4 Lbottle. Remove 4 mL of the 1×PBS and discard. Add 4 mL of triton X-100to the 3996 mL of 1×PBS. Place on stir plate and stir to completelydissolve. Store at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Chicken Anti-Protein A Coating Antibody. Take out one aliquot ofantibody per plate at time of use. To qualify new lots of ChickenAnti-Protein A, it may be necessary to use and qualify ChickenAnti-Protein A-Biotin Conjugated (prepared from the same lot of coating)together. Immediately before use: Dilute antibody mixture in cold 50 mMSodium Bicarbonate to the concentration determined during coatingqualification. For example: If during qualification the concentration ofcoating to load on the plate was determined to be 6 μg/mL and if thestock concentration is 3000 μg/mL, then add 24 μL coating antibody to11976 μLs cold coating buffer. Mix gently by inversion.

Biotinylated Chicken anti Protein A. Take out one aliquot of antibodyper plate at time of use. To qualify new lots of Chicken Anti-ProteinA-Biotin Conjugated, it may be necessary to use and qualify it with thesame lot of Chicken Anti-Protein A it was prepared from. Immediatelybefore use: Dilute biotinylated antibody in 37° C.±2° C. Casein to theconcentration determined during biotinylated antibody qualification. Forexample: If during qualification the concentration of biotinylatedantibody to load on the plate was determined to be 4 μg/mL and if thestock concentration is 1000 μg/mL, then add 48 μL biotinylated antibodyto 11952 μL 37° C.±2° C. Casein. Mix gently by inversion.

Neutravidin-HRP. Reconstitute new lots (2 mg/vial) to 1 mg/mL asfollows: Add 400 μL of Milli-Q water to the vial, then add 1600 μL1×PBS, for a total of 2 mL. Vortex gently to mix. Store at nominal −80°C. Prepare aliquots with desired volume so that 1 aliqout per plate isused. Prepare in polypropylene tube. Assign expiration date of 6 monthsfrom the date of preparation. For example, if the working concentrationwas determined to be 0.1 μg/mL then prepare as follows. Immediatelybefore use, thaw an aliquot of Neutravidin-HRP at room temperature.Dilute the 1 mg/mL Neutravidin solution to 0.01 mg/mL (10 μg/mL) with37° C.±2° C. Casein. For example: Dilute X10, add 50 μL of neutravidinto 450 μL of Casein. Vortex gently to mix, X10 again, add 100 μL of ×10neutravidin to 900 μL of Casein. Vortex gently to mix. Further dilutethe 10 μg/mL solution to 0.1 μg/mL with 37° C.±2° C. Casein. Forexample: Dilute X100, add 120 μL neutravidin (10 μg/mL) to 11880 μL ofCasein. Invert several times gently to mix.

Stop Solution (Purchased 1 N Phosphoric Acid is used.) Store at ambienttemperature for up to 1 year from the date of receipt. Dilution Buffer(1×PBS+4.1% Triton X100+10% Casein, pH 7.4). Add 86 mL of 1×PBS+0.1%Triton X100, pH 7.4 (from Step 5.3) to a beaker or flask, add 4 mL ofTriton X-100, and 10 mL of Blocker Casein in PBS, and stir todissolve/mix. It may take 20 to 30 minutes to dissolve triton. Thisequals a 1×PBS+4.1% Triton X100+10% Casein, pH 7.4 solution. Filterthrough a 0.22 CA μm sterile filter unit. Prepare fresh for each use.This is enough for 1 plate.

Protein A Standards (Antigen Standards). NOTE: Stocks stored at nominal−20° C. in 70 μL aliquots. Thaw an aliquot on ice. Perform serialdilutions according to the examples in the table below polypropylenetubes using Dilution buffer (see above) using the concentration statedon the manufacturers COA: For example if COA states stock concentrationis 2.1 mg/mL (2100000 ng/mL) then: Thaw samples on ice. In polypropylenemicrocentrifuge tubes, dilute final bulk samples to 20 mg/mL in DilutionBuffer (above). Perform 2 separate dilutions. Record concentration. Usethe solutions below to prepare spiked samples and to prepare the 10mg/mL solutions. For example: Conc. (mg/mL) Vol. μL of X mg/mL solutionVol. of diluent (4) Serial Dilution From 120 stock sample. Inpolypropylene microcentrifuge tubes, further dilute the 20 mg/mLsolutions to 10 mg/mL in Dilution Buffer.

Preparation of Spike. In a polypropylene microcentrifuge tube, prepare a0.296 ng/mL Protein A spike from the 0.593 ng/mL standard prepared abovein Step 6.1 by diluting it 2× with Dilution Buffer. Perform a singledilution. Triplicate wells for the 0.296 ng/mL spike solution will beloaded onto the plate. Use the 0.593 ng/mL standard solution from Step6.1 for spiking samples.

Preparation of Spiked Samples. in Polypropylene Microcentrifuge Tubes,Spike 500 μL of each 20 mg/mL final bulk solution with 500 μL of the0.593 ng/mL spike solution. Hold for denaturation. Triplicate wells foreach spiked sample solution will be loaded on the plate for a total of 6wells.

Preparation of Control. Obtain a lot of ABT-308 Drug Substance. Prepare150 μL aliquots and store frozen at nominal −80° C. for three years fromthe date aliquoted.

Working Control: Thaw an aliquot of control on ice. In a polypropylenemicrocentrifuge tube, dilute control to 10 mg/mL with Dilution Buffer tohave a final volume of 1000 μLs. Prepare a single dilution. Hold fordenaturation. Triplicate wells of control will be loaded onto the plate.

Denaturation. For plate blanks, add 1000 μL of dilution buffer tomicrocentrifuge tubes equal to the number of blanks that will be run onthe plate. The caps of the tubes may be parafilmed to prevent them frompopping open during heating or a second rack may be placed on top ofthem to keep caps closed. Heat standards, non-spiked samples, spikedsamples, spike, blanks, and control, at 95° C.±2° C. for 15 minutes.Remove parafilm from tubes during cooling, if used. Allow to cool for 15minutes, and centrifuge for 5 minutes at approximately 10000 rpm.Transfer 700 μL of the supernatant into microtubes to load on plate. Becareful not to disturb the triton/protein pellet.

Plate Washer Instructions and Waterbath Set-Up. Fill plate wash bottlewith plate wash buffer (refer to Step 5.3, 1×PBS+0.1% Triton X-100).Prime plate washer. Check the following parameters: Parameters should beset to: Plate Type: 1 For each Cycle (a total of 4 cycles): Asp speed:10 mm/s; Volume: 400 μls; Soak Time: 5 seconds; Asp. Time: 6 seconds.Turn on waterbath and set to 95° C. Allow waterbath temperature toequilibrate to 95° C.±2° C. for at least 30 minutes.

Assay Procedure: A Checklist can be used as a guide by checking offsteps as they are completed. Additionally, record all equipment usedduring the assay. The amount of Casein aliquots to be used for each daythe assay will be run must be placed at 37° C.±2° C. The coating Bufferand substrate are used cold. Prepare standard, sample, control, spike,and spiked samples prior to and during blocking incubation. It may takelonger than the 1 hour block incubation to prepare dilutions, transferto eppendorf tubes, denature for 15 minutes, cool for 15 minutes,centrifuge for 5 minutes, and to transfer to microtubes. Allow at least40 minutes prior to blocking plates. Samples, Spiked Samples, Standards,Control, Assay Spike, and Blanks, are loaded on the plate horizontallyfrom rows B through G using a 12 channel pipette. Standards are loadedfrom high to low concentration. Plate coating, biotin addition,neutravidin addition, substrate addition, and stop solution addition aredone vertically from columns 2 through 11.

Coat plates with 100 μL/well of coating antibody in cold 50 mM SodiumBicarbonate. Tap the side of the plate until the coating solution coversthe bottom of the wells uniformly, cover with sealing tape and incubateat nominal 4° C. while shaking on plate shaker (or equivalent) at speed3.

After overnight incubation, remove plate from refrigerator and allow toequilibrate to room temperature. Shake out coating. Blot plate on papertowels. Block with 300 μL/well of 37° C.±2° C. Casein, cover withsealing tape and incubate at 37° C.±2° C. while shaking on Lab-lineEnviron plate shaker (or equivalent) at 80 rpm±5 rpm for 1 hour±10minutes.

Prepare standard, sample, control, spike, and spiked samples prior toand during blocking incubation. Wash the plate 4 times with Wash Buffer.Blot plate on paper towels. Using an 8-channel pipette, pipet 100μL/well of denatured standards, samples, spikes, spiked samples, blanks,and control into triplicate wells of the plate. The outside wells of theplate are not used, add non-treated dilution buffer to these wells.Cover with sealing tape and incubate at 37° C.±2 C while shaking onLab-line Environ plate shaker (or equivalent) at 80 rpm±5 rpm for 2hours. Fill out a template to use as a guide when loading plate.

Plate Reader Set-Up. Wash the plate 4 times with Wash Buffer. Blot plateon paper towels. Add 100 μL/well biotinylated antibody. Cover withsealing tape and incubate at 37° C.±2° C. while shaking on Lab-lineEnviron plate shaker (or equivalent) at 80 rpm±5 rpm for 1 hour.

Wash the plate 4 times with Wash Buffer. Blot plate on paper towels. Add100 μL/well Neutravidin-HRP conjugate solution. Start timer as soon asneutravidin is added to the last row. Cover with sealing tape andincubate at 37° C.±2° C. while shaking on Lab-line Environ plate shaker(or equivalent) at 80 rpm±5 rpm for 30 minutes. Wash the plate 4 timeswith Wash Buffer. Blot plate on paper towels. Add 100 μL/well coldK-Blue substrate, cover with sealing tape and incubate at roomtemperature for 10 minutes (start timer as soon as substrate is added tofirst row), while shaking speed 3 on Lab-line titer plate shaker (orequivalent). Stop the reaction by adding 100 μL/well 1 N PhosphoricAcid. Place plate on a plate shaker at speed 3 for 3 minutes. Read plateat 450 nm.

Data Analysis and Calculations NOTE: Only samples, spikes, spikedsamples, and control, with optical densities falling within thepractical quantitation limit of the standard curve and meeting the % CVor % difference criteria stated below, are accepted. If sample OD's fallbelow standard curve, result should be reported as less than 0.18 ng/mL(assay LOQ). This value should then be divided by the diluted sampleconcentration (10 mg/mL) to report value in ng/mg. If the sample is highin Protein A concentration causing the non-spiked and/or the spikedsample to be above standard curve (2 ng/mL), then dilute further to bewithin the standard curve. This value should then be divided by thediluted sample concentration to report value in ng/mg. For spikerecovery calculations, subtract non-spiked sample value (ng/mL) fromspiked sample value (ng/mL) even when the non-spiked sample value(ng/mL) is below the curve. If value is negative or ‘range’ is obtainedthen consider non-spiked sample as zero for spike recovery calculations.

Standard Curve. Standard concentrations should be entered into theprotocol template. A quadratic curve fit is used. Coefficient ofdetermination must be =0.99 and the % CV between triplicate wells mustbe =20%. If this criteria is not met: One standard (1 level, 3 wells)may be dropped. If the 0.18 ng/mL is dropped, only samples and spikedsamples with optical densities falling within the 0.26 ng/mL and 2 ng/mL(the remaining standard curve points) optical densities are acceptable.Additionally, for the triplicates of each standard level, if a singlewell is clearly contaminated or shows low binding, it may be dropped. Ifa well is dropped from a standard level, the remaining replicates musthave a % difference=20%. The % CV for the lowest standard, which showsOD values close to the background (blanks) of the plate, should be =30%.If one well is dropped, the % difference for the remaining replicatesmust be =35%. If the lowest standard is dropped, only samples and spikedsamples with optical densities falling within the remaining standardcurve level optical densities are acceptable.

Calculate % Difference as follows: % Difference=(Abs. (result dilution1−result dilution 2)/mean value)×100%. The assay must be repeated if thestandards do not meet the above criteria. Report % CV and/or %difference values and standard Curve Coefficient of determinationresults.

Samples. % CV should be =20% between triplicate wells. Report % CVbetween triplicate wells. One well from each sample dilution may bedropped. The remaining replicates must have a % difference of =20%.Note: If non-spiked sample OD is below lowest standard OD the %difference criteria does not apply to the non-spiked results. Refer tocalculation above.

Report “Non-spiked sample result” for each dilution in ng/mL. Thesevalues will be used in spike recovery calculations. Calculate the mean“Non-spiked sample result (ng/mL)” and the % difference betweendilutions. Report results. % Difference between dilutions must be =25%.Calculate actual Protein A Concentration in ng/mg from the mean (ng/mL)value as follows: Protein A (ng/mg)=Mean “Non-spiked sample result(ng/mL)” Diluted sample concentration (10 mg/mL). Record result.

Spikes. % CV should be =20% between triplicate wells. Record % CV. Onewell from the spike may be dropped. The remaining points must have a %difference=20%. Refer to calculation above. Report protein Aconcentration in ng/mL. This result will be used in spike recoverycalculations. The resulting concentration for the spike (ng/mL) must be±20% of the theoretical spike concentration. Record result and indicatePass or Fail. If the spike result is not within 20% of theoretical, theassay must be repeated. Mean Spike Concentration (ng/mL)×100=must be100%±20% 0.296 ng/mL

Spiked Samples. % CV should be =20% between triplicate wells. Record %CV between triplicate wells. One well from each spiked sample dilutionmay be dropped. The remaining replicates must have a % difference of=20%. Refer to calculation above. Report “Spiked sample result” for eachdilution in ng/mL. Record % difference between duplicate dilutions. The% difference between dilutions should be =25%. These results will beused in the spike recovery calculations. Calculate % Spike Recovery foreach dilution set using the formula below: % Spike Recovery=Spikedsample value−Non-Spiked Sample Value×100. Spike Value NOTE: For spikerecovery calculations, subtract non-spiked sample value (ng/mL) fromspiked sample value (ng/mL) even when the non-spiked sample value(ng/mL) is below the curve. If value is negative or ‘range’ is obtainedthen consider non-spiked sample as zero for spike recovery calculations.% Spike recovery must be 100%±50% (50%-150%) for each dilution for eachsample. Record results and Pass/Fail.

Control. % CV should be =20% between triplicate wells. Record % CVresult. One well from the control may be dropped. The remainingreplicates must have a % difference of =20%.

TABLE 9 Residual Host Cell Protein and Protein A Assay Results Protein AHost Cell Protein Batch# (ng/mg) (ng/mg) 56003BF 1.01 <0.14 57001BF 1.58<0.14 57002BF 1.68 <0.14 88018BF <0.29 <0.14 89001BF <0.29 <0.14 90006BF<0.29 <0.14 90009BF <0.29 <0.14

TABLE 10 Residual Host Cell Protein and Protein A Assay Results: InProcess Samples Process Step Hydrophobic Protein A Anion ExchangeInteraction Protein Protein Protein A HCP A HCP A HCP Batch* (ng/mg)(ng/mg) (ng/mg) (ng/mg) (ng/mg) (ng/mg) 88018BF 9.55 768 0.79 4 0.17≦0.120 89001BF 8.64 797 0.41 3 0.11 ≦0.128 90006BF 9.67 914 0.50 3 0.16≦0.118 90009BF 7.86 798 0.50 3 0.18 ≦0.124

Various publications are cited herein, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for producing a host cell-protein (HCP)reduced antiIL-13 antibody, or antigen-biding fragment thereof,preparation from a sample mixture comprising an anti-IL-13 antibody, orantigen-binding fragment thereof, and at least one HCP, said methodcomprising: (a) contacting said sample mixture to Protein A affinitychromatography resin, washing said affinity chromatomphy resin with abuffer comprising 0.5 M NaCl, 20 mM Na citrate, at pH 6, and a buffercomprising 25 mM Tris, 100 mM NaCl, pH 7.2 and collecting an affinitychromatography sample; (b) subjecting said affinity chromatographysample to a reduction in pH thus forming a reduced pH sample, whereinsaid reduction in pH is from about 3 to about 4; (c) adjusting saidreduced pH sample to a pH of about 4.5 to about 6.5 and contacting saidadjusted pH sample to an ion exchange resin and collecting an ionexchange sample; (d) contacting said ion exchange sample to ahydrophobic interactive chromatography (HIC) resin and collecting an HICsample, wherein said HIC sample comprises said HCP-reduced antibody, orantigen binding portion thereof, preparation.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein said reduction in pH is accomplished by admixing a suitable acidwith said sample mixture, and wherein said suitable acid is selectedfrom the group consisting of citric acid, acetic acid, and caprylicacid.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said Protein A resin comprisesProtein A coupled to crosslinked agarose beads.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein said ion exchange sample is applied to a cation exchangeresin and a cation exchange sample is collected prior to application tothe hydrophobic interaction chromatography resin.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein said ion exchange resin is a cation exchange resin.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, wherein said cation exchange comprises a substitutedmatrix wherein the substituents are selected from the group consistingof SO₃ ⁻, carboxymethyl, sulfoethyl, sulfopropyl, phosphate andsulfonate.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said substituent is SO₃ ⁻.8. The method of claim 1, wherein said ion exchange resin is an anionexchange resin.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said anion exchangeresin comprises a substituted matrix wherein the substituents areselected from the group consisting of diethylaminoethyl, quaternaryaminoethyl, and quaternary amine groups.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein said substituent is a quaternary amine.
 11. The method of claim1, wherein said HIC resin comprises a substituted matrix wherein thesubstituents consist of one or more hydrophobic groups.
 12. The methodof claim 11, wherein said substituents are selected from the groupconsisting of alkyl-, aryl-groups, and a combination thereof.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein said substituents are selected from thegroup consisting of: phenyl, 3-octoxypropane-1,2-diol and ether, propyl,methyl, or butyl groups.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said resincomprises an agarose matrix comprising phenyl substituents.
 15. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising a filtration step, wherein saidHIC sample is subjected to filtration to remove viral particles and tofacilitate buffer exchange.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein saidanti-IL-13 antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof is a humanizedantibody, a chimeric antibody, or a multivalent antibody.
 17. The methodof claim 16, wherein said anti-IL-13 antibody or antigen-binding portionthereof is a humanized antibody.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein saidpreparation is substantially free of HCPs.
 19. The method of claim 1further comprising a depth filtration step.